Dodgers quick hits: Kenta Maeda, Gavin Lux, Julio Urias

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DENVER, COLORADO – JULY 30: Starting pitcher Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on July 30, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Julio Urias to start Tuesday’s game and return to the rotation

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On Tuesday, Julio Urias will return to the rotation in a bit of a surprising move. While Dave Roberts did tell reporters that Urias was told to stretch himself out during his suspension and work up his pitch count, Kenta Maeda’s return to the rotation made the move possible.

How long he sticks in the rotation remains to be seen given his innings limit that is believed to be right around 100 innings. Prior to his suspension, Julio had been pitching out of the bullpen, primarily in a Josh Hader type role where he would finish the last two to three innings of games. Dustin May’s liner off his head also leaves the rotation in flux at the moment.

The Dodgers had been using a six man rotation prior to May’s injury which gave them a rotation of Kershaw, Ryu, Buehler, Maeda, May, and Gonsolin. Urias now takes Maeda’s spot in the rotation and Ross Stripling seemed to take May’s spot by starting Sunday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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For the season, Urias has made six starts posting an ERA of 3.55 while allowing a .219 average to the opposition. After Tuesday’s start maybe there will be more clarity on what the next step is for Julio. For now, he will be a part of the rotation and could be the backup option if Rich Hill cannot make it back in time to be the fourth playoff starter.