Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts answered questions Tuesday regarding the arrest of left-hander Julio Urias, who has been accused of domestic violence.
Friedman called it “an extremely disappointing development.”
“For us right now, it’s having him and his representatives resolve this while we’re focused on both the near and long term,” Friedman said, according to ESPN.
Roberts said he was “shocked” and called the situation “just an extremely unfortunate circumstance for everyone.”
Neither Friedman nor Roberts commented when asked if they anticipate Urías returning to the mound this season.
Urias was arrested for felony domestic violence late Sunday night.
At the time, the Dodgers released a statement saying, “We are aware of an incident involving Julio Urías. While we attempt to learn all the facts, he will not be traveling with the team.”
Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman (left) and manager Dave Roberts (right) talked Tuesday about Julio Urias’ domestic violence arrest. AP
Roberts was “shocked” when he heard about Urias’ arrest. APMLB has begun an investigation of Urias, who was slated to pitch Thursday for the Dodgers.
But that won’t happen because MLB announced Wednesday that Urias “has been placed on Administrative Leave until further notice as MLB continues its ongoing investigation. The administrative leave, which is effective immediately, is not disciplinary under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. We will refrain from further comment until the appropriate time.”
As a result, all the Dodgers can do right now is let law enforcement and MLB continue their investigations.
This is the second time in four years Urias has been accused of domestic violence. AP“For us, we’re just sitting and waiting as the process continues until we know more,” Roberts said, according to The Athletic.
“Our guys are pros. Obviously, they’re concerned about the situation,” Friedman said.
“But they’re also pros and they’re focused on going out tonight and winning a baseball game. That doesn’t mean they’re not concerned but they’re able to shift their focus and lock in on the task at hand.”
Urias was released on $50,000 bond Monday morning and his next court date is set for Sept. 27.
The Dodgers, which had planned a Urias bobblehead night on Sept. 21, will now instead be holding a giveaway of select premium bobbleheads to the first 30,000 fans in attendance.
Roberts doesn’t expect Urias to return to the team any time soon. AP
Roberts and the Dodgers have a 14-game lead in the NL West. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConUrias was previously involved in a domestic violence incident in 2019 when he was accused of pushing a woman.
The lefty was not charged as the alleged victim told investigators she fell.
However, Urias was suspended 20 games by MLB under the Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy.
Friedman is left filling a hole in his starting rotation following Urias’ arrest. APThe southpaw, a pending free agent, has a 4.60 ERA this year in 117 ¹/₃ innings and owns a 3.11 career ERA.
