Career Timeline of Julio Urías: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Julio Urías, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Julio Urías, a Mexican professional baseball pitcher nicknamed "El Culichi", debuted in MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 after being signed in 2012. He led the National League in wins in 2021 and earned run average in 2022 and was named to the All-MLB Second Team in both 2021 and 2022. In September 2023, Urías was placed on administrative leave by MLB following his second arrest for domestic violence. He is currently a free agent, and has not pitched in MLB since.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 2012: Discovered by the Dodgers

In June 2012, the Los Angeles Dodgers discovered 15-year-old Julio Urías at a showcase in Oaxaca, Mexico, during the same scouting trip where they signed Yasiel Puig.

2012: Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers

In 2012, Julio Urías was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

May 25, 2013: Professional Debut

On May 25, 2013, Julio Urías made his professional debut for the Great Lakes Loons in the Midwest League, striking out six batters over three shutout innings as the youngest player in the league.

2014: Played for Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

Julio Urías spent the 2014 season with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the California League, where he made 25 appearances and had a 2-2 record with a 2.36 ERA and 109 strikeouts.

March 14, 2015: Reassigned to Minor League Camp

On March 14, 2015, after pitching in two spring training games, Julio Urías was reassigned to the Dodgers' minor league camp.

August 31, 2015: Promoted to AAA Oklahoma City Dodgers

On August 31, 2015, Julio Urías was promoted to the AAA Oklahoma City Dodgers.

2015: Slider Introduction

Julio Urías began using the slider in 2015.

May 27, 2016: Major League Debut

On May 27, 2016, Julio Urías made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the New York Mets. At 19, he was the youngest starting pitcher to debut in the Majors since Félix Hernández in 2005.

June 28, 2016: First Major League Win

On June 28, 2016, Julio Urías earned his first major league win against the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing two runs on two hits in six innings.

2016: Curveball Alteration

During the 2016 season, Julio Urías altered his grip to add vertical movement to his curveball.

2016: Made MLB Debut

In 2016, Julio Urías made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

2018: Return to the Dodgers and Postseason Appearances

After recuperating from his injury for most of the 2018 season, Julio Urías made three appearances for the Dodgers in September and was added to the roster for the 2018 NLCS and 2018 World Series.

2019: First Career Save

In 2019, Julio Urías started the season in the rotation due to injuries to other pitchers and later joined the bullpen, earning his first career save on May 6 against the Atlanta Braves.

2020: Dodgers Championship

In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Julio Urías became a full-time starter for the Dodgers and played a key role in their playoff run, including earning the save in the series-clinching Game 6 of the 2020 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

2021: Best Season to Date

In 2021, Julio Urías had his best season to date, starting more than 20 games for the first time and finishing with a 20-3 record, the best in the league, along with 195 strikeouts and a 2.96 ERA.

2021: Led National League in Wins

In 2021, Julio Urías led the National League in wins and was named to the All-MLB Second Team.

2022: Led National League in Earned Run Average

In 2022, Julio Urías led the National League in earned run average and was named to the All-MLB Second Team.

2022: Signed with Dodgers for $8 Million

In 2022, Julio Urías signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Dodgers.

2023: Administrative Leave and Free Agency

In 2023, Julio Urías made 21 starts for the Dodgers before being placed on administrative leave by MLB in response to his arrest in a domestic violence case. His contract expired at the end of the season, making him a free agent.