Dodgers left-handed pitcher Julio Urias has accepted a 20-game suspension for an alleged incident in May when he was arrested for a domestic dispute with his girlfriend.
MLB announced the decision Saturday.
“My office has completed its investigation into the allegations that Julio Urías violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy," commissioner Rob Manfred wrote in a press release. "Mr. Urías cooperated fully with my office’s investigation. Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Urías violated our Policy and that discipline is appropriate.”
In the alleged incident, Urias was reportedly seen shoving his girlfriend in public following an argument.
He denies having done so, but witnesses stated they saw the alleged contact occur.
Urias was arrested and taken to a nearby police station, where he was charged with one count of misdemeanor domestic battery and later released on a $20,000 bond. The Los Angeles City Attorney's office ultimately decided not to prosecute Urias on the condition that he participates in a 52-week domestic counseling program and commits no acts of violence for the next year.
Urias was initially placed on seven-day administrative leave after his arrest but MLB declined to extend his absence as the pitcher reportedly would not have consented to it.
The 23-year-old joins several players who have been suspended for such incidents including Astros reliever Roberto Osuna, who was with the Blue Jays at the time, and Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, who was recently reinstated.
MLB has declined to give suspensions to Reds outfielder Yasiel Puig and Twins infielder Miguel Sano following investigations into each of their alleged incidents. Puig was involved in an alleged domestic violence incident in 2016 and Sano was accused of sexual assault by a photographer in 2017.
Urias was once MLB's top left-handed pitching prospect and made his debut with the Dodgers at 19 years old.
He is 4-3 with a 2.53 ERA in 27 games (six starts) for Los Angeles this season.
Urias will be allowed to participate in the postseason despite his suspension. MLB players are not allowed to participate in the playoffs if they have tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, but they are allowed if they have been involved in a domestic incident. Osuna pitched for the Astros last year in the postseason after his alleged incident.