Julio Urías Suspended by MLB for Domestic Violence Policy Violation
Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías has been handed a suspension extending through Major League Baseball’s All-Star break for violating the league’s domestic violence and sexual assault policy for a second time. The suspension, announced by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on Friday, will see Urías reinstated on July 17.
Significance of the Suspension
Urías stands out as the first player to receive multiple suspensions under MLB’s policy, which has been active since 2015. His suspension is unique in that it does not specify a precise number of games, as the total varies by team prior to the All-Star break. For reference, the Dodgers have scheduled 95 games in that timeframe.
Historically, of the 18 players suspended under this policy, only three have faced penalties exceeding 95 games. Notably, former teammate Trevor Bauer received a 324-game suspension that was later reduced to 194 games—this remains the longest suspension enforced under the league’s domestic violence policy.
Urías’s Background and Previous Incidents
Born in Mexico, Urías is currently a free agent and is not tied to any MLB team, which positions him to potentially sign with a team in the Mexican League while remaining on MLB’s restricted list.
The MLB’s statement indicated that Urías has agreed to undergo evaluation by a policy board, backed by the league and the players’ union, and to adhere to any treatment recommendations. Manfred stated, “The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball has completed its investigation into allegations that free agent pitcher Julio Urías violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Urías violated our Policy, and that discipline is appropriate.”
The Investigation and Legal Proceedings
In September 2023, Urías was arrested outside BMO Stadium after an LAFC match. Eight months later, he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of domestic battery. Surveillance video reportedly showed Urías engaging in aggressive behavior toward his wife during the incident.
While charged with felony domestic violence initially, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office opted against felony filings, concluding that the evidence did not support such charges. Ultimately, Urías faced five misdemeanor counts, pleading no contest to one, with the other charges being dropped. He has since agreed to participate in a yearlong domestic violence treatment program.
This marks his second brush with the league’s policy; he faced a 20-game suspension previously following an incident in 2019 that involved an altercation with his then-girlfriend. At that time, Urías accepted responsibility for what he termed “inappropriate conduct.”
Future Implications and Career Impact
Following his suspension, Urías was placed on administrative leave for the remainder of the 2023 season, after which he became a free agent when his contract with the Dodgers expired. He has not played in a game since.
In contrast, Bauer, once a Cy Young award winner, remains unsigned after a protracted suspension, having pitched in Japan and Mexico. In 2020, Urías played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ World Series victory, and in subsequent seasons, he exhibited stellar performance, leading the National League in both victories (20) in 2021 and earned-run average (2.16) in 2022.
Conclusion
The disciplinary actions against Julio Urías underscore MLB’s commitment to addressing issues of domestic violence and holding players accountable. As he navigates the terms of his suspension and potential future in baseball, the league continues to emphasize support for players undergoing similar challenges.