Dodgers' Urias returns strong in rehab start
Los Angeles prospect could possibly see Majors action this season
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Dodgers prospect Julio Urias returned to the mound Friday night and was, in a word, dominant.
Urias, MLBPipeline.com's sixth-ranked prospect, made a rehab start for the Arizona League Dodgers -- his first game action since he had a peri orbital benign mass removed from his eye on May 28.
In just two-plus innings of work, the 18-year old made it clear why he's such a highly regarded prospect.
"He's a lefty, he's young, he's got plus stuff and big league command," AZL Dodgers pitching coach Greg Sabat said.
Urias carved his way through the Reds lineup, allowing just one hit, a softly-hit infield single, and striking out three.
The left-hander threw 32 pitches, 22 for strikes. He hovered around 93-94 mph, topped out at 97 and saw his off-speed stuff drop into the low-80s.
Prior to the eye surgery, Urias had been pitching for Double-A Tulsa, where he went 1-2 with a 3.00 ERA in seven starts.
There is speculation as to whether Urias -- the Dodgers' No. 2 prospect -- can make his Major League debut as soon as this year. The decision won't be up to Sabat, but after spending some time around Urias, he believes the big leagues are in the near future.
"It'll be soon," Sabat said.