Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías has been suspended by Major League Baseball through the All-Star break under its domestic violence policy, according to an announcement on Friday. Urías, whose suspension is enforced in conjunction with the players’ association, had pleaded no contest last May to a misdemeanor domestic battery charge—marking his second penalty under this policy after a 20-game suspension in 2019. MLB noted that he will be reinstated from the restricted list on July 17 and, as a free agent, will then be eligible to sign with any team.
The 28-year-old left-hander has not pitched since September 1, 2023. He was arrested two days later outside BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, where he attended a Major League Soccer game on September 3 featuring Inter Miami and Lionel Messi. The Department of Public Safety reported that an unnamed individual contacted them regarding a physical altercation involving a man and a woman.
Initially facing a felony charge of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, Urías was placed on administrative leave by MLB on September 6.
Urías pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor domestic battery charge on May 1, with four additional misdemeanor charges dropped. According to Ivor Pine, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office, Urías was sentenced to 36 months of summary probation, required to complete 30 days of community service, and must also finish a 52-week domestic violence counseling course. Additionally, he must pay a domestic violence fund fee, refrain from owning any weapons, avoid using force or violence, compensate the victim with restitution, and comply with a protective order.
“After reviewing all available evidence, I concluded that Mr. Urías violated our policy, and disciplinary action was necessary,” stated baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred in a press release on Friday.
MLB announced that Urías has agreed to an evaluation by the joint policy board, formed by MLB and the players’ association, and will follow any recommendations issued by the board.
Urías’ agent, Scott Boras, confirmed that the pitcher was not making any public comments.
Urías became a free agent after his one-year, $4.7 million contract expired following the 2023 World Series.
It’s worth noting that Urías faced a similar situation in May 2019 when he was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery. Although MLB suspended him at that time, the Los Angeles City Attorney did not pursue prosecution, provided he completed a 52-week domestic violence counseling program.
Over his eight-season major league career—all with the Dodgers—Urías has compiled a 60-25 record with a 3.11 ERA. He led the National League in ERA with 2.16 in 2022 and was part of the Dodgers team that won the 2020 World Series, posting a 4-0 record with one save and a 1.17 ERA in six postseason appearances.
Urías is the first player to be suspended under MLB’s domestic violence policy since New York Yankees pitcher Jimmy Cordero was suspended on July 5, 2023. Cordero missed the final 73 games of that season, played the previous season for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan’s Pacific League, and is now with Mexico’s Toros de Tijuana.
Other players who have faced penalties under this policy include Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer, Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman, pitcher Domingo Germán, Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, Toronto pitcher Roberto Osuna, Colorado shortstop José Reyes, and Atlanta outfielder Hector Olivera.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco remains on the restricted list, having not played since August 12, 2023, though he has not been disciplined by MLB.
