Dodgers spring training: Julio Urias gets used to the new rules
Making his spring debut, Urias logged 2.2 innings of work, striking out four and allowing two hits, including Luke Maile’s third-inning single. Maile would come around to score on Tyler Stephenson’s double off reliever Justin Hagenman, tacking on a run to the day for Urias.
However, it was still a solid showing for the 26-year-old southpaw, who had reportedly struggled earlier in the spring getting in the rhythm of MLB’s new pitch clock. On Tuesday, Urias had no issues with the quicker tempo during his 40-pitch debut, seeming at ease on the mound as his time against the Reds went along.
“It was different,” Urias said. “In the first inning, it felt a little more rushed than I am accustomed to, but once I got that routine and rhythm in the second and third, I felt a little bit better.”
Not only was Urias working with the new pitch clock, but also the rules when it comes to pickoff attempts. Possessing a strong pickoff move, Urias nearly had Luke Maile on a pickoff at first early in spring as he settles in with when to use that move as a weapon.
“We only get two chances at it,” Urias said. “I’m going to focus on trying to have the best pickoff move in those two chances that I can.”
So was that pickoff move on Tuesday his best? Urias just smiled as he said, “No.”