Dodgers top prospect Julio Urias reacts to high expectations
Los Angeles Dodgers 19-year-old pitching prospect Julio Urias has been under the spotlight since the Dodgers signed him at age 16, and now expectations are higher than ever as the lefty nears a jump to the majors.
Urias is ranked at or near the top of various prospect lists, and was recently named the best left-handed pitching prospect in all of baseball by MLB Pipeline.
While high expectations bother some prospects, Urias welcomes and feeds off of them.
"The truth is, I'm proud that they've given me that high praise," Urias said, via MLB.com. "It gives me strength to keep working, work harder and achieve the goal I have in my mind."
In his three years in the minors, Urias has been dominant, posting a 7-7 record with a 2.91 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .219 opponent batting average, and 264 strikeouts versus 75 walks in 222 1/3 innings over 61 outings.
While the 19-year-old Mexican has proven he's nearly major-league ready, there might not be a spot for him on the Dodgers this season, at least in a starting role.
With the acquisitions of lefty Scott Kazmir and Japanese right-hander Kenta Maeda, the Dodgers have filled out their starting rotation.
However, an injury could free up a spot in the rotation, and Urias could also serve a relief role to begin his major-league career, particularly if the Dodgers feel he could contribute down the stretch in a potential playoff push.
Regardless, Urias will patiently wait his turn in line.
"As I've always said, you just have to do your job," he said. "A lot of times you might know that you could have what it takes to be on the big league team, but they're the ones who know what's best. I've always said that the team wants what's best for you and as I said before, I hope this is the year they can give me an opportunity. But if not, I'll have to keep working and above all, have patience."
