Urias optioned back to triple A
NEW YORK — The first big league stint of Julio Urias’ career lasted barely 24 hours. A day after Urias became the first teenage pitcher to start a game for the Dodgers since Fernando Valenzuela, the team optioned him to triple-A Oklahoma City.
Urias, the 19-year-old lefthanded prospect, could not finish the third inning against the New York Mets on Friday at Citi Field. He gave up three runs, but left Manager Dave Roberts encouraged about his future.
“We thought Julio threw the ball well,” Roberts said before Saturday’s game. “But just with where he’s at and where the ’pen’s at, we need to get coverage in the bullpen for the next couple days. He’s going to go back down there and make a couple, two, three starts. We’ll see when it makes sense to get him back here. What’s best for us, and as well as him.”
Casey Fien, a righthanded reliever, replaced Urias on the big league roster. The Dodgers have tentatively scheduled Mike Bolsinger to plug the hole in the team’s rotation Wednesday in Chicago.
On Saturday afternoon, Alex Wood tested his sore left triceps, the injury that forced Urias into a spot start the day before, in a bullpen session. Wood reported no setbacks, and will start Monday at Wrigley Field.
The Dodgers expected Urias to rejoin the team at some point this season. They have not ruled out using him in the bullpen. Despite the unfortunate result, Urias described his debut as the best day of his life.
“I talked to him this morning, and he was still on cloud nine,” Roberts said. “He was still excited about last night. He had a chance to have his family here and celebrate that moment. I just encouraged him and complimented him on how he handled himself last night.”
Fien, 32, was claimed off waivers by the Dodgers on May 7. He posted a 7.90 earned-run average for Minnesota earlier this season. His ERA with Oklahoma City was 5.87 in six games.
Short hops
To make room on the 40man roster for Fien, the Dodgers designated for assignment outfielder James Ramsey, a former firstround pick by St. Louis who was hitting .222 at Oklahoma City . ... Trayce Thompson left the game after the fourth inning because of lower back tightness.