After yet another dominating pitching performance on Sunday by young Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias against the Colorado Rockies (with an assist by Kiké Hernandez on a dazzling defensive play in the first inning), Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ decision on his Opening Day starting rotation became even more complicated.

Urias pitched three scoreless innings, allowing no hits, one walk, while striking out two, against a very formidable Colorado Rockies lineup that included All-Stars Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Arenado, Daniel Murphy, and Trevor Story at the top of the order, followed by veteran power hitter Mark Reynolds and highly regarded youngsters David Dahl and Ryan McMahon. 

Lest we forget it was only three years ago that Urias was the Dodgers top pitching prospect. Since signing with the Dodgers as an amateur free agent on August 17, 2012 as a then 16-year-old teenager from Culiacan, Mexico, Urias has dominated hitters who were, on average, seven to eight years older than he while at Low Single-A Great Lakes, Advanced Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, Double-A Tulsa, and Triple-A Oklahoma City.

In 2016 and only 19 years old, Urias was the consensus number four prospect in Major League Baseball (according to MLB Top 100, and Baseball America Top 100). That season he won five of seven decisions for the Major League Dodgers, pitching to a 3.38 ERA (3.17 FIP) and averaged almost ten strikeouts per nine innings. But, shoulder surgery in June 2017 derailed his career by two years. However, by what we have seen thus far this spring, it appears that Urias is as good – if not better – than ever.

Dave Roberts is effusive in his praise of his young left-hander.

“It’s unfair to put limits on him as far as the potential to open the season. Right now, he’s doing everything he possibly can, the door is open for him,” Roberts said. “He’s been sharp all spring, fastball 94-98 with a crisp breaking pitch.

“He’s looked really good,” added the Dodgers skipper. “His body (looks great), he looks great. He’s in a good mental space right now.

Good indeed.

“I feel good,” Urias told reporters earlier this spring. “And then I see the results and that makes me happy, too.

“It was my goal to make it back to the big leagues (in 2018), and not only did I make it back, but it was in a situation that was important –  two big series,” he added. “I think it went well for me, and I think it’s something that’s going to help me and help my career.”

Veteran catcher Russell Martin praises Urias’ excellent mechanics and ability to execute his pitches, trusting his delivery on every pitch.

“He seems like he’s really polished for a young kid. Mechanically, he’s sound,” Martin said. “What I recognized is he either hits the spot or if he misses he’s missing around the target, so he’s really consistent with his lanes. Never any big misses, which is unusual. Usually young kids are still learning their bodies, still learning mechanics.”

Reports that both Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler could be ready on Opening Day will have an effect on Urias’ spot on the roster, but make no mistake, he belongs on the Opening Day roster.

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