"El Culichi", Julio César Urías Acosta, is a Mexican professional baseball pitcher currently active in Major League Baseball (MLB). Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012, he debuted in the MLB in 2016. Urias showcased remarkable skills, leading the National League in wins in 2021 and boasting the lowest earned run average in 2022. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the prestigious All-MLB Second Team in both 2021 and 2022.
Julio Urías' debut marked him as the second youngest Dodgers starting pitcher to debut since Rex Barney in the 1943 season.
In the 2016 postseason, Julio Urías became the youngest Dodgers pitcher to pitch in the postseason since Don Drysdale in the 1956 World Series.
With his first Major League Win, Julio Urías became the first teenage Dodger pitcher to throw 100 pitches in a game since Joe Moeller in 1962.
Julio Urías became the fourth-youngest pitcher in MLB postseason history in 2016, behind Ken Brett (1967 World Series), Bert Blyleven (1970 ALCS), and Don Gullett (1970 NLCS and 1970 World Series).
Julio Urías set a record in 2016 by becoming the youngest pitcher ever to start a postseason game, surpassing records set by Bert Blyleven and Don Gullett in 1970.
Julio César Urías Acosta was born on August 12, 1996.
Julio Urías became the youngest starting pitcher to debut in the Major Leagues since Félix Hernández in the 2005 season.
In June 2012, at a showcase in Oaxaca, Mexico, the Dodgers discovered a 15-year-old Julio Urías. This was the same scouting trip where they signed Yasiel Puig.
At the age of 16, Julio Urías was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012.
Julio Urías made his professional debut on May 25, 2013, with the Great Lakes Loons in the Midwest League, becoming the youngest player in the league at that time.
In 2014, Julio Urías played for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the California League.
Julio Urías received several honors in 2014, including being selected to play for the World team at the All-Star Futures Game and being named the Dodgers' organizational "Minor League Pitcher of the Year."
Julio Urías was reassigned to the Dodgers' minor league camp on March 14, 2015, after pitching in two games during spring training.
On May 19, 2015, Julio Urías underwent elective surgery to address a condition affecting his left eye, a result of three previous surgeries to remove a benign mass during his youth.
On August 31, 2015, Julio Urías was promoted to the AAA Oklahoma City Dodgers.
In 2015, Julio Urías added a slider to his pitching arsenal. He also gained recognition for his effective pickoff move, leading the major leagues in pickoffs during his rookie season.
In 2015, Julio Urías was ranked as a top pitching prospect by various publications. The Dodgers assigned him to the AA Tulsa Drillers of the Texas League.
On May 27, 2016, at the age of 19, Julio Urías made his major league debut against the New York Mets, becoming the youngest starting pitcher to debut since Félix Hernández in 2005.
Julio Urías secured his first major league win on June 28, 2016, against the Milwaukee Brewers, becoming the first teenage Dodger pitcher to throw 100 pitches in a game since Joe Moeller in 1962.
In 2016, Julio Urías made notable postseason appearances, becoming the youngest Dodgers pitcher to pitch in the postseason and the youngest pitcher to start a postseason game.
Julio Urías made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016.
During the 2016 season, Julio Urías modified his pitching style, adjusting his grip on his curveball to enhance its vertical movement.
In 2016, Max Scherzer achieved a 20-win season, a feat that wouldn't be replicated in the National League until Julio Urías in 2021.
Julio Urías experienced a setback in 2017 when he tore the anterior capsule in his left shoulder while pitching for Triple-A Oklahoma City, leading to season-ending surgery.
Julio Urías spent most of 2018 recovering from his shoulder injury but made a return to the Dodgers during the regular season and postseason.
In May 2019, Julio Urías was arrested for domestic battery. The Los Angeles City Attorney deferred prosecution under conditions that included Urías' participation in a hearing, refraining from violence, and completing a 52-week domestic violence counseling program.
Julio Urías took on both starting and relief roles for the Dodgers in 2019, showcasing his versatility as a pitcher.
In 2020, Julio Urías agreed to a one-year contract with the Dodgers, avoiding arbitration. He became a full-time starter during the pandemic-shortened season. He achieved a winning record and contributed to the Dodgers' playoff run, securing wins in the Wild Card Series, NLDS, and NLCS. He also started Game 4 of the World Series and earned the save in Game 6, contributing to the Dodgers' championship victory.
Julio Urías achieved a significant milestone in his career in 2021 by leading the National League in wins.
In 2021, Julio Urías had a breakout season, starting more than 20 games for the first time and achieving a 20-3 record, the best in the league. This accomplishment marked the first 20-win season by a National League pitcher since Max Scherzer in 2016 and only the fourth by a Mexican-born pitcher.
In the 2021 postseason, Julio Urías played a key role for the Dodgers, securing a win in Game 2 of the NLDS against the San Francisco Giants. He also pitched in the decisive Game 5, contributing to the Dodger's series victory. However, he faced challenges in the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, experiencing a blown save in Game 2 and a loss in Game 4.
In 2022, Julio Urías signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking his third season of salary arbitration.
Julio Urías led the National League in earned run average (ERA) in 2022, showcasing his exceptional pitching skills.
On September 3, 2023, Julio Urías was arrested for felony domestic violence following an incident at an LAFC soccer match. A witness reported seeing Urías assaulting a woman, leading to his arrest. He was later released on bail.
In 2023, Julio Urías made 21 starts for the Dodgers, ending with an 11-8 record. He was placed on administrative leave on September 6th following his arrest in a domestic violence case. His contract with the Dodgers expired at the end of the season, making him a free agent.
In 2023, Julio Urías signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers and represented the Mexico national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic. He started on opening day but was placed on the injured list in mid-May due to a hamstring injury, returning to action on July 1st.
On January 9, 2024, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office decided not to pursue felony charges against Julio Urías related to his September 2023 arrest. However, on April 9, the Los Angeles City Attorney filed five misdemeanor charges against Urías. He entered a "no contest" plea to one misdemeanor domestic battery charge on May 1 as part of a plea deal, resulting in probation, community service, and mandatory domestic violence counseling.