NEW YORK — Major League Baseball has suspended former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías through the All-Star break in accordance with its domestic violence policy. This marks the second time Urías has faced disciplinary action under this policy, following a 20-game suspension in 2019. He will be eligible to return to the MLB from the restricted list on July 17, and as a free agent, he can sign with any team thereafter.
The 28-year-old left-hander has not played since September 1, 2023, following his arrest two days after attending a Major League Soccer game in Los Angeles. This arrest resulted from an alleged physical altercation outside BMO Stadium, which was reported by an unidentified person. Initially facing a felony charge of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, Urías was placed on administrative leave by MLB shortly after.
On May 1, Urías pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor domestic battery charge, with four other misdemeanor charges being dropped. The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office stated that Urías was sentenced to 36 months of summary probation and required to complete 30 days of community labor. He is also mandated to go through a 52-week domestic violence counseling program, pay a domestic violence fund fee, avoid possession of weapons, abstain from violence, pay restitution to the victim, and adhere to a protective order.
Commissioner Rob Manfred commented, “Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Urías violated our policy and that discipline is appropriate.” Additionally, MLB confirmed that Urías agreed to be assessed by the joint policy board established by MLB and the players’ association and will comply with any further recommendations.
Urías, represented by agent Scott Boras, has decided not to publicly comment on the situation. Following the 2023 World Series, Urías entered free agency as his $4.7 million one-year contract concluded.
In May 2019, Urías was previously arrested on suspicion of domestic battery, although charges were not pursued by the LA city attorney, provided he completed a 52-week counseling program. Over his eight-season career with the Dodgers, Urías boasts a 60-25 record with a 3.11 ERA, led the National League with a 2.16 ERA in 2022, and was part of the 2020 World Series-winning team, contributing significantly with a 4-0 record and a 1.17 ERA in the postseason.
Urías’s suspension is the first under the domestic violence policy since New York Yankees pitcher Jimmy Cordero in July 2023, who missed the last 73 games of that season. Notables previously disciplined under this policy include Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer, Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman, and others. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco remains on the restricted list since August 12, 2023, without disciplinary action from MLB.