CINCINNATI -- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that one-time top pitching prospect Julio Urias, recalled on Monday, will initially be limited to one-inning, low-leverage usage in his first Major League action since last year's left shoulder capsule surgery.
Considering the potential alternative, the 22-year-old Urias is fine with that.
"I can't lie. There was a time when I thought there was a possibility I would never come back to a Major League mound," said Urias. "Thank God, he helped me get here."
Urias had a 5.40 ERA in 11 rehab appearances at three levels, with 19 strikeouts but also seven walks in 11 2/3 innings. He pitched twice in the playoffs for Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing two earned runs in 1 2/3 innings.
Between appearances, Urias was given anywhere from two to five days between appearances, but said he was rebounding quicker after his two appearances with OKC in the last week. Roberts said Urias probably would not be used on back-to-back days.
Urias said he feels 100 percent physically. Two years ago, Urias was ranked the No. 4 prospect in the game by MLB Pipeline. Management still views Urias as a starting pitcher long term, but his slow recovery this year made a relief role the lone option.
In 2016, the then-20-year-old Urias went 5-2 with a 3.39 ERA for the Dodgers during the regular season, then had mixed results in two postseason appearances. He was 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA with the Dodgers last year and was sent to Triple-A just before suffering his injury and having surgery on June 27.
"We just felt as an organization, what better time than now?" Roberts said of the timing of his recall from OKC, which was eliminated from the playoffs over the weekend.
"I'm very proud of him. As a young player to have so much fanfare and ability and expectation and to go through that injury and battle through adversity and find your way back to the big leagues is a credit to him and his fight and the training staff in the Minor Leagues."