Dodgers News: Julio Urias's Bounce Back Game Has Teammates Hyped
Coming off a long stay on the injured list, Dodgers star pitcher Julio Urias struggled in his first game. He only lasted three innings against the Kansas City Royals, allowing five runs, six hits and striking out only two batters. It led many to wonder if the pitcher was still hurt or if he just didn't have it this season.
Prior to the injury, Urias had shown flashes of brilliance but just didn't look like the same guy as in years past.
However, in his second start back against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Urias flipped the script. He went six innings, allowing just two runs and striking out eight Pirates. It seems like he figured something out and will now look to build on this dominant performance after the All-Star break.
After his strong game, his teammates were excited for him. They've seen the struggles that he has been through this year and wanted to support their guy.
“Julio, every five days, you feel very confident that we're gonna have a chance to win that game, and he looked like Julio tonight,” said Freddie Freeman.
Over the last few seasons, Urias has been one of the better pitchers across Major League Baseball. So his issues this year have been somewhat uncharacteristic.
He is due to be a free agent this summer so one may think that it's been weighing on his mind as the season goes on. But everything worked for him on Thursday and even his manager Dave Roberts praised him after the game.
“This is Julio,” said Roberts. “I think there was a little bit of frustration. I think there was some embarrassment. And he rolled up his sleeves tonight, and he competed like he always does. But I just felt that tonight, he was truly on the attack from pitch one.”
If Urias can continue to perform like this, both he and the Dodgers will be in good shape. The team needs him to play up to par if they want any chance at going for another World Series title. If Thursday was any indication, Urias may have figured things out.
“In that last inning, it felt like it clicked,” Urías said through an interpreter. “Something clicked for me and that very last inning, and I think it's something I'm going to be able to take into the second half.”
