Urías, Buehler make first impressions
by Cary Osborne
Every fastball created a thunderclap, sound reverberating from Russell Martin’s glove on a back field at Camelback Ranch on Wednesday.
The creator of the sound was Julio Urías — still only 22 years and now 20 months from surgery on his left shoulder. That left shoulder is still the subject of caution and questions, despite a return to the big leagues last September and impressive run in the postseasons that saw him pitch effectively in the National League Championship Series and World Series (two earned runs in 6 1/3 innings).
“It doesn’t bother me,” Urías said of being asked about the shoulder.
Urías was one of two prized young Dodger pitchers with firsts on Wednesday. He pitched against live hitters for the first time this Spring Training, firing 20 pitches on a back field at Camelback Ranch. Walker Buehler threw 30 pitches in his first bullpen session of Spring Training. Both went full throttle.
“It’s hard for me to (hold back),” Buehler said “I can’t. It’s not a velocity thing. It’s just if I’m going to be on a mound it’s difficult for me to command the ball if I’m not throwing close to full effort.”
The Dodgers are easing Buehler in with most of the regulars having turned in a few bullpens so far. Buehler repeated on Wednesday that he’s pitching as if he’s competing for a spot in the starting rotation, even after a spectacular rookie campaign in 2018.
Urías is competing for the same thing in a crowded field of talented starters.
Urías turned in a pair of bullpen sessions before Wednesday, when he pitched against non-roster invitees Paulo Orlandoand Shane Peterson. Urías said he’s pleased by how he has performed thus far.
“I feel good,” Urías said after pitching on Wednesday. “And then I see the results and that makes me happy, too.”
Urías appears to have added some muscle, saying with a smile that he worked hard in the offseason. He also noted how the postseason boosted his confidence.
“It was my goal was to make it back to the big leagues (last season), and not only did I make it back, but it was in a situation that was important — two big series,” Urías said. “I think it went well for me, and I think it’s something that’s going to help me and help my career.”
Martin gave Urías high marks from what he has seen thus far in camp.
“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.”
More high marks came from manager Dave Roberts.
“He’s looked really good,” Roberts said, noting how Urías is consistent in his delivery. “His body (looks great), he looks great. He’s in a good mental space right now.”
