Julio Urías Suspended by MLB Through 2025 All-Star Break Following Domestic Violence Incident
Major League Baseball has handed down a significant suspension to former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías, effectively sidelining him until after the 2025 All-Star break. The disciplinary action stems from a domestic violence incident that occurred in September 2023, marking the second time Urías has been penalized under MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. He becomes the first player in league history to face multiple suspensions under this policy, highlighting the severity of his repeated offenses.
The announcement, made by Commissioner Rob Manfred on Friday, brings a degree of closure to a situation that has clouded the once-promising career of the young pitcher. Urías, 28, last took the mound in the major leagues on September 1, 2023, just days before the incident that triggered the investigation and subsequent suspension.
The incident in question unfolded on September 3, 2023, in the parking lot of a professional soccer game in Los Angeles. Law enforcement authorities were called to the scene following reports of a physical altercation between Urías and his wife. The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office later charged Urías with five misdemeanors in April 2024 relating to the incident.
In May 2024, Urías pleaded no contest to the charges. This plea resulted in a sentence that included three years of probation, 30 days of community labor, and completion of a one-year domestic violence course. Furthermore, the court ordered Urías to refrain from possessing any weapons or using force and violence, to pay restitution to the victim, and to abide by a protective order designed to safeguard his wife.
Despite the legal proceedings concluding with the no contest plea and the imposition of court-ordered sanctions, MLB’s investigation into the matter continued. The league emphasized its commitment to thoroughly reviewing all available evidence before making a final determination regarding potential disciplinary action. Notably, the September 2023 incident was reportedly captured on video, providing crucial visual evidence for MLB’s investigation.
Following the incident, Urías was placed on administrative leave by MLB in September 2023. His contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers expired at the end of the season, making him a free agent. This suspension effectively halts any potential for him to sign with another team and resume his major league career until after the 2025 All-Star break. By that time, most major league teams will have played approximately 98 games of the season, representing a significant period of inactivity for the pitcher.
Commissioner Manfred’s statement underscored the gravity of Urías’s actions and the league’s commitment to enforcing its domestic violence policy. "Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Urías violated our Policy and that discipline is appropriate," Manfred stated. The commissioner’s words convey a sense of seriousness and a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated within Major League Baseball.
This is not the first time Urías has faced disciplinary action under MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. In 2019, he was suspended for 20 games following an arrest on suspicion of domestic battery after an incident in a mall parking structure. Although the city attorney did not prosecute him on that occasion, it was conditional on his completion of a 52-week domestic violence counseling program. This previous incident and the subsequent suspension highlight a troubling pattern of behavior and raise questions about Urías’s efforts to address the underlying issues that contribute to such incidents.
Julio Urías’s journey to the major leagues began with his signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a 16-year-old out of Mexico. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Dodgers’ farm system, showcasing his exceptional talent and potential. He made his major league debut at the young age of 19 in 2016, generating considerable excitement and anticipation among Dodgers fans.
Urías played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series championship run, famously recording the final seven outs of the championship-clinching game. He further solidified his position as a key member of the Dodgers’ pitching staff in the subsequent seasons, achieving remarkable success on the mound. In 2021, he won an impressive 20 games, establishing himself as one of the league’s top pitchers. He followed that up with another strong performance in 2022, winning 17 games.
However, the recent domestic violence incident and the resulting suspension have cast a long shadow over Urías’s accomplishments and tarnished his reputation. His actions have not only jeopardized his own career but have also had a negative impact on the Dodgers organization and the sport of baseball as a whole.
The Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy implemented by MLB reflects a growing awareness and commitment to addressing these issues within the sport. The policy provides a framework for investigating allegations of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, and it empowers the commissioner to impose disciplinary action, including suspensions, on players found to have violated the policy.
The policy also emphasizes the importance of providing support and resources to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. MLB collaborates with various organizations and advocacy groups to raise awareness about these issues and to promote a culture of respect and accountability within the sport.
The suspension of Julio Urías serves as a stark reminder that professional athletes are not immune from accountability for their actions off the field. It also underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of domestic violence and promoting healthy relationships.
The incident has undoubtedly damaged Urías’s reputation and his future in baseball remains uncertain. Whether he will be able to successfully rehabilitate his image and return to the major leagues after serving his suspension is a question that only time will answer.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. This incident serves as a crucial case in understanding how professional sports leagues navigate the complexities of domestic violence allegations, balancing the need for accountability with potential for rehabilitation.
