6 years agoLos Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias will start the season as a long reliever, according to manager Dave Roberts. The young hurler was in consideration to start in the rotation, but is still coming back from shoulder capsule surgery two years ago and was always presumed to have an innings limit this season. He pitched 2 2/3 innings on Wednesday, following Walker Buehler’s start, but was tagged for three runs (two earned) after walking a batter, striking out two and giving up a long home run to Anthony Rizzo. Roberts noted that Urias will be used as a multi-inning reliever and not a lefty specialist. Urias was once a top pitching prospect in baseball and is only 22 years old. The move to the pen undoubtedly hurts his value in redraft leagues, but he’ll help your ratios no matter when he throws. It’s also the Dodgers, who don’t employ a typical rotation strategy, so it’s possible we’ll see Urias start at some point this year. He’s a must-own in dynasty leagues and this move might spook his owners. This is the right moment to see if you can get him at a discount.--Mario Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: Dodgers Team Website