Dodgers Place Julio Urias on Administrative Leave Following Domestic Violence Arrest
By Jerry Trotta
Los Angeles Dodgers budding star Julio Urias was arrested late Monday night on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery after witnesses told police they saw him push his female companion to the ground at an LA shopping mall.
Per TMZ Sports, surveillance footage supported the witnesses accounts, even though the woman insisted that Urias did not get violent with her.
The Dodgers, on the other hand, have swiftly responded to the disturbing allegations by placing the 22-year-old pitcher on seven-day administrative leave, according to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times.
MLB has put #Dodgers P Julio Urias on 7-day administrative leave after his arrest on suspicion of domestic battery, The Times has learned.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) May 14, 2019
The Dodgers released the following statement after becoming aware of the incident:
“We learned about the alleged incident this morning and are in the process of gathering information. As a result, we have no comment at this time regarding this incident. However, every allegation of domestic violence must be taken seriously and addressed promptly, and we will cooperate fully with the authorities and Major League Baseball to ensure that that happens in this case.”
Shaikin brings up a valid point by saying the Dodgers cannot "act independently" while the league is investigating the matter, considering domestic violence cases are part of the CBA, so placing the left-hander on leave is the only move they can make at this stage.
For those asking what the Dodgers are going to do, there is nothing they can do right now. The domestic violence policy is part of the collective bargaining agreement; teams cannot act independently during the league investigation and any possible disciplinary process.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) May 14, 2019
It looks like we'll have to remain patient for an official word on any potential suspension for Urias.
He is 2-2 with a 3.18 ERA in nine appearances this season since returning from last year's major shoulder surgery, so this could be a big roadblock in his promising start to the year.