Julio Urias has been horrendous in his last two starts after being pretty good in his first three starts. He has pitched 23.1 innings this year and currently has a 5.40 ERA. The competition has hit 12 HR off of young Julio. No, that’s a lie! He has only given up one HR! So, is that how it works – three good starts and two bad starts and you get sent back to the minors? I think not. Now, Joc Pederson is another issue, but we will discuss that another day.
Julio is young… and very talented. You have to give him time. He is dealing with something I do not know if other pitchers have had to deal with or not. He started Spring Training normally, pitched a few games and then as he was progressing, he was shut down and sent to extended Spring Training in Arizona. Finally, he started back up at OKC on April 10th with 3.2 innings, followed by 4.2 innings on April 15th and then 5.2 innings after being called up on April 27th.
Julio is still pitching like it is April due to his delayed and prolonged start. Those of you who want to wet yourself and talk about how crazy it was for FAZ to hold him back would also be the first to bitch when they would have had to shut him down in September. The Washington Nationals did that to Stephen Strasburg a few years ago and it might have cost them the World Series. This was planned… and his struggles are even expected.
Jeff Samardzija had a 6.32 ERA in April. Johnny Cueto had a 5.10 ERA in April. Adam Wainwright had a 6.12 ERA in April. They didn’t get sent back down. Julio Urias is one of the most talented pitchers to come down the pike in a long time and he is struggling, but he is not getting bombed. He has given up just one HR. Many of the hits are “bloop” hits. He is just struggling with his release point and control. He will get another 3 or 4 starts before an assignment to OKC is even considered. This is a generational talent that you don’t see that often.
FAZ just wants him to be ready and able to pitch into October. This is May 21st, but It’s April 21st to Julio. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater!
Rants and Raves
- Henceforth, Cody Bellinger is “The Natural” and Corey Seager is “The Captain.”
- It is expected that A-Gon will struggle a few days. He has to be given time to adjust to MLB pitching. I do not believe he will be a big slugger for us, but he will be solid in the #6 spot.
- While I do not think the minors are needed for Julio Urias, it might be time for Joc to go down and work on his swing. He is simply lost.
- Right about now, Chris Taylor is a better hitter than Kike Hernandez, but Kike is much more versatile. He has already played 7 different positions… and has done a credible job. Both of these guys will stay on the team.
- After giving up 10 runs again last night, the Dodgers slipped to #2 in MLB pitching ERA. The Astros are at 3.41 and the Dodgers slipped to 3.42.
Minor League Shots
- Kyle Farmer is on fire, going 3-4 again (.323 BA).
- Scott Barlow went 6, allowed 3 hits and 1 ER while striking out 8. He’s worth watching.
- Mitch White went 5.2 innings, allowed 2 Hits and 1 ER and struck out 6.
- Istler got his 4th save.
- Gavin Lux is finally on a tear at 2B, hitting .258 after going 3-5.
- Dustin May went 5, 2 Hits, 1 ER, 9 K’s.
- Jurrjens went 5 and allowed 2 ER to get his 4th win.
- Dickson’s BA has dropped to .266 but he hit 2 HR last night to now have 10.
- Calhoun went hittless but had 2 BB and is still OPS’ing .916.
Trade idea:
Dodgers get – Stanton and Straily (local product/large contract (maybe too large for a new ownership group) and a righty who seems to have found his mojo).
Fish get – Puig, Alvarez, and Ryu (a flashy Cuban enigma back in his home town, a pitcher with unknown potential, and Ryu, just because).
I’d include Hatcher but A.C. would die…laughing, knowing my disdain for him.
Stay the course, stay the course, stay the course… Urias will be fine. Roberts had no choice but to leave him in and protect his bullpen as much as he could, especially with the Cards and Cubs coming to town. The only thing I can see right now that is troubling is Joc at the plate. This has been going on for pretty much a couple of weeks. I am sure Roberts is getting ready to either send him down or bench his butt, which wouldn’t help anybody out, because when Joc is going good, he’s dangerous. He just looks so damn lost. I think he left his hitting plan back in Spring Training.
Personally I think a change of scenery for Joc is the best for both sides. He has trade value so we can package him with a few others and fill one of our holes. He could quite possibly thrive elsewhere, and that happens quite often. This has been a three year experiment.
I’m not as in tune with the entire rosters of the minors like some of you but I know we have capable replacements. And who knows we might find that diamond in the rough. It could very well be good for both sides.
I do think three years is enough. I love AC’s idea of Lorenzo Cain as a rental.
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How much more than Joc would it take to get Cain? Calhoun?
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It might make enough difference to win it all.
Mark
I like AC’s idea about getting Cain for a rental, too!
He not only a better defensive center fielder then Joc, but he will also hit for a better average, and he is elite,on the bases too, much like Chase, but with a lot more, speed.
And he has the experience in the post season, and he won’t be blocking Toles, next year.
Call Zaidi – make it so.
Mark
Already done!
But we may have to wait until, right before the trade deadline, to make it so!
Urias can’t control counts. I think he is overwhelmed by the quality of a major league batter. The mindset of the hitter should be: make him throw strikes. I don’t think he likes to pitch to contact. I’m not sure he has as much confidence in his stuff as those who talk about him. But I said last time: the team is stuck with him. He will be back and forth, up and down until he can command the fastball on the edges of the strike zone. These hitters are not going fishing anymore on him because his control stinks. If he threw more fastballs and pitched to contact, he would be better off, but the confidence is not there. When will it be? That is the question with him. How long can the team reserve a spot in the rotation for him? I say: June 15. Then back down to OKC. Was he that good when he was there earlier? I don’t think so. Not like last year, when the league couldn’t catch up with him. His best asset: his pick off move. Too bad there has to be a runner on first to see it. An alarming note: the giants have the best record in the NL the last 10 days. Since the shortstop came back. Don’t look now, but here they come again.
Spitzbarth got a little dinged at AA. Interesting to see how he progresses.
The Dodgers are apparently being investigated for DL abuse. (related to Kenta Maeda)
http://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers-disabled-list-mlb-20170515-story.html
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Urias is not currently pitching well enough to help the big league team – thanks a lot for the “brilliant” strategy this Spring. (The games lost in May count as much as the games in September.)
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Ryu looked awful after being stashed on the DL. Maeda has already said that he wasn’t hurt after throwing 8 shutout innings and going on the DL.
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The strategy isn’t working. They need to pick their 5 best starters and let them start. If someone goes down you put them on the DL and let someone else pitch. Right now Urias isn’t pitching like one of the 5 best. I would send him down to work on strike zone management.
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I would send Joc down too – same reason.
The Dodgers were investigated and nothing was done, because they did nothing wrong. Maybe you don’t like the 10-Day DL, but FAZ is playing within the rules.
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Curt Schilling said he wasn’t hurt, but had a bloody sock. Noah Syndergaard said he was fine before he blew out his arm. Everyone says they are not hurt. McCarthy said he was not hurt after dislocating his shoulder. I guess if you already have a preconceived idea about FAZ you will always reach a different conclusion.
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Now here’s where I am somewhat startled:
The strategy isn’t working.
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On what planet does anyone think that? The Dodgers have been #1 in ERA in all of baseball for weeks and today as we stand they are #2 – .01 points behind #1. The strategy isn’t working? Get a grip!
You watched Ryu’s and McCarthy’s last starts after DL stints. Ryu wasn’t hurt. McCarthy was. Neither pitched well coming off of the DL and their losses counted.
Rick
I think they have already learned, from their mistake.
Because they already had Maeda make a start at Rancho, to get a tune up, to be ready to pitch, in the rotation, when he comes back.
Still at the TOP of ALL MLB TEAMS for Pitching!
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It’s like complaining “Doctor, you cured my cancer, but I don’t like your methods.”
I said this in April. Our future CF is Alex Verdugo, and I’m sure he can’t do worse that Joc at this point.
I’d rather watch Hatcher pitch than Joc hit at this point. Anyone know what Joc’s numbers are since July 2015 (post 2015 all star game)?
Bobby
I think if you got Joc’s numbers after the first month of the season in 2015, you probably would be pretty, surprised.
Because his numbers dropped even before, he played, in the Allstar game, that year.
I am willing to bet that Alex Verdugo does not play CF. He is a below average runner. Bellinger is a lot faster. Bellinger is a better choice in CF and he won’t play there either. Outside of Joc, Andrew Toles is the best bet to play CF.
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Verdugo has as much chance of being a CF as I do.
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Behold a recent writeup:
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/top-21-prospects-los-angeles-dodgers/
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There is, I have read, a lot more to the same point with Verdugo.
Leave Urias up. The only complaint I have is his mental make up. Kershaw, Wood and Hill have fire in their eyes. Urias almost looks like he is throwing batting practice. He does not have that bulldog look. He is almost to nonchalant for me. I do not think he trust himself or his stuff.
Remember back to Clayton’s Rookie year.
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Remember back to Woods first Games with LA.
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They both had deer-in-the-headlites looks then.
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Julio will get his control back and have that look too.
The only reason that Urias is like this, is because they took him away from the normal preparation, he does each year, to get ready, for the season.
Because they were trying to keep him work load, down.
You have to remember, that Urias wasn’t able to start to many games, and compete much at all, in spring training.
And because of this, he wasn’t able to build up his endurance, and command, and to build off each start, he normally would have.
I do think they should have him pitch in the AAA rotation a few times, so he can build up his command, and he can regain any confidence, he might have lost, in these last couple, of games.
He sure didn’t look to good on the bench, last night.
And this way we will know that he is ready to join and pitch, in the major league rotation, again.
Because his last two starts, haven’t been good for Urias, or the team, and we don’t want to put the stress on our bullpen, like we did, last night.
Urias needs to make a few starts in AAA, to prove he is ready to pitch in the major league rotation again, much like Hill, had to do.
They did send Clayton back down didn’t they? I don’t know what is right but he is not pitching well and he has had command issues in his brief career. I just hate to be hoping for better results as the calendar turns a page and the giants making a move. Let him work through his issues at triple a and when he gets his confidence and command bring him back. We have pitchers who can start with the second best era. I just don’t know how it helps to send a struggling pitcher out there and being blown out in the first 3innings. Every win counts and I believe Roberts said put the lineup out there that gives us the best chance to win. Pederson is even worse as he just can’t hit and our offense is not our strong suit especially with turner out. Oh well I am still a diehard dodger no matter I look forward to a new win streak starting today.
No, they did not send Clayton back down.
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Every win counts but the BIG PICTURE is the most important thing.
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Patience. Urias is a rare talent. You will see!
Pretty sure they did.
Verdugo isn’t going to be the Dodgers’ CF.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/top-21-prospects-los-angeles-dodgers/
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He’s gotten thick and has lost foot speed.
Well, here’s what a Dumbass I am:
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Julio Urias was just optioned to OKC!
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FAZ clearly doesn’t listen to me.
I would have waited, but if he’s got what it takes, he will be fine. It solves the logjam for now.
2019:
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1. Verdugo RF
2. Seager SS
3. Machado 3B
4. Bellinger 1B
5. Turner 2B
6. Toles CF
7. Peters LF
8. Smith C
No one has ever blown a blog post as quickly as FAZ just blew this one!
They had to get another pitcher up after last night. McCarthy today so who knows. He was pitching well then dl then bad game. They better keep the pitcher up with the cards and cubs coming in. Cards lay down against giants but they are always seemingly on their A game vs. us
Were are all just guessing, some more informed than others (me just an opinion).
Next move; Joc to AAA.
Maybe this is best for Urias. He is lacking something. I am sure Honey knows what he needs. We have other pitchers. I trust management. Now if they would send Joc down. He also needs help. We are ok.
DODGERS RECALL JOSH RAVIN
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LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today recalled right-handed pitcher Josh Ravin from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned left-handed pitcher Julio Urías to Triple-A OKC.
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Ravin, 29, will make his first stint with the big league club this year after going 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA (1 ER/5.0 IP) in four games with the OKC Dodgers. He has struck out 11 batters against only two walks in 5.0 innings with Oklahoma City and has held batters to a .167 average (3-for-18). Ravin, who started the season on the disabled list with a right groin strain, appeared in 10 games for the Dodgers last year allowing just one run in 9.2 innings (0.93 ERA) and limited batters to a .065 average (2-for-31), while striking out 13 against four walks. The West Hills native is in his third season with Los Angeles, going 2-1 with a 3.79 ERA (8 ER/19.0 IP) in 19 career games, while punching out 25 batters in 19.0 innings.
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Urías, 20, pitched last night against the Marlins allowing a career-high seven runs (six earned) on seven hits in 2.1 innings, his shortest outing as a starter, as he took his second loss of the season in the Dodgers’ 10-6 defeat. In five starts this season, Urías has gone 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA (14 ER/23.1 IP) and has struck out 11 batters against 14 walks.
so that’s why joc hasn’t been sent down to AAA. Tuesday is Joc bobblehead night
I think you are on to something.
follow the money
Watching AJ take the 1st pitch down the pipe reminded me of old times
Good win today, solid performance by McCarthy and signs of life in the lineup. Good game for Jocs confidence, and AGon delivers the butter and eggs. Urias to AAA is best move for all concerned right now, but he will be back. Odds are all the starters don’t stay healthy all year, if they do look for a deadline deal for more hitting. Off day tomorrow to rest up then let’s take a couple more series at home!
Yes the rumors of Agone’s demise, seems to not be true.
He has hit in four runs, since he has been back.
He not only hit the Marlins starting pitcher, he hit the first relief pitcher, they brought in the game, and he was throwing hard.
The rumors of his demise are 100% true.
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But… he can still be a solid player.
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Not 30 HR
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Not 20 HR
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Maybe not 10 HR
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But , he can still hit.
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Hips and shoulders are where most of your power comes from. A-Gon has issues with that. The HR power is gone, but he is a stone-cold hitter.
That fly ball to Stanton in the seventh inning would have been a home run over Stanton two years ago.
Grinch
My point is that Agone can still be important to the team, even without, his power.
And today was a perfect example, because he hit in three runs, today.
Mark
That wasn’t to anyone personally, it was just a way to show what Agone can still do, for the team.
And actually I haven’t even seen you say anything, but just that, lately.
He may not have his same power, but he can also still be important, to the team, in this way.
Because Cody will have his struggles like every new player has, and Agone can pick up for Cody, when that happens, in this way.
And Cody is going to pick up for Agone, in the power, department.
The point is that we are a better team, when both Agone, and Cody, in the line up together.
And until today, I thought Agone wasn’t healthy, yet either.
Starting and stopping Urias was dumb. I said it then and I’ll say it now. How many innings at AAA will it take now for him to find his form? Innings that could have been used at the majors if this was handled better. They botched his innings two years ago and they’re bitching it this year.
Nice series win. It will take Joc and Gonzalez showing up if they’re going to win games without JT.