Julio Urías, a Mexican professional baseball pitcher nicknamed "El Culichi," debuted in MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. He led the National League in wins (2021) and earned run average (2022), earning All-MLB Second Team honors in both years. However, his career has been significantly impacted by legal issues. 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 hasn't pitched since his arrest.
On August 12, 1996, Julio César Urías Acosta was born. He is a Mexican professional baseball pitcher.
In June 2012, the Los Angeles Dodgers discovered 15-year-old Julio Urías at a showcase in Oaxaca during the same scouting trip where they signed Yasiel Puig.
On May 25, 2013, Julio Urías made his professional debut for the Great Lakes Loons.
In 2014, Julio Urías played with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, making 25 appearances and recording a 2-2 record with a 2.36 ERA.
In 2014, Julio Urías was selected for the World team at the All-Star Futures Game and named the Dodgers organizational "Minor League Pitcher of the Year".
On March 14, 2015, after pitching in two spring training games, Julio Urías was reassigned to the Dodgers' minor league camp.
On May 19, 2015, Julio Urías had elective surgery to correct the condition of his left eye.
On August 31, 2015, Julio Urías was promoted to the AAA Oklahoma City Dodgers.
In 2015, Julio Urías began using the slider pitch.
In 2015, Julio Urías was ranked as a top left-handed pitching prospect and assigned to the AA Tulsa Drillers.
On May 27, 2016, Julio Urías made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the New York Mets.
On June 28, 2016, Julio Urías picked up his first major league win against the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing two runs on two hits in six innings.
During the 2016 season, Julio Urías altered his curveball grip to add vertical movement.
In 2016, Julio Urías made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.
In 2016, Julio Urías pitched in the National League Division Series and became the youngest Dodgers pitcher to pitch in the postseason.
In 2017, Julio Urías tore the anterior capsule in his left shoulder, ending his season and requiring surgery.
In 2018, after recuperating from an injury, Julio Urías made three appearances for the Dodgers during the regular season and was added to the roster for the NLCS and World Series.
In May 2019, Julio Urías was arrested for domestic battery, leading to a deferred prosecution agreement.
In 2019, Julio Urías started the season in the rotation due to injuries and later picked up his first career save on May 6 against the Atlanta Braves.
In the 2020 pandemic-shortened season, Julio Urías agreed to a one-year contract, became a full-time starter for the Dodgers, and helped the team win the World Series, recording the save in the series-clinching game.
During the 2021 postseason, Julio Urías started in the NLDS against the San Francisco Giants and appeared in multiple games, contributing to the Dodgers' series win. He also pitched in the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves.
In 2021, Julio Urías agreed to a one-year contract and had his best season to date, starting more than 20 games, pitching 185+2⁄3 innings with 195 strikeouts, a 2.96 ERA, and a league-best 20–3 record.
In 2021, Julio Urías led the National League in wins and was named to the All-MLB Second Team.
In 2022, Julio Urías led the National League in earned run average and was named to the All-MLB Second Team.
In 2022, Julio Urías signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Dodgers.
On September 3, 2023, Julio Urías was arrested for felony domestic violence following an incident at a LAFC soccer match.
In September 2023, Julio Urías was placed on administrative leave by MLB following his second arrest for domestic violence.
In 2023, Julio Urías made 21 starts for the Dodgers before being placed on administrative leave by MLB following his arrest in a domestic violence case. His contract expired at the end of the season.
In 2023, Julio Urías signed a one-year contract, played for the Mexico national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic, and was named the Dodgers opening day starter.
On January 9, 2024, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office announced it would not pursue felony charges against Julio Urías.
On September 19, 2024 a video was released out of the 2023 domestic violence incident that was taken by a witness.