GLENDALE, Ariz. -- It’s a sign of how interest has grown in baseball prospects that Julio Urias received more attention for throwing batting practice on Sunday than three-time Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw had gotten the day before.

After Urias dominated four batters -- Joc Pederson, Chris Heisey, Alex Guerrero and O'Koyea Dickson -- for two innings on a back field at Camelback Ranch, about a dozen reporters surrounded some of those players to break down Urias’ performance. ESPN’s Keith Law ranked Urias, a left-handed pitcher, the No. 9 prospect in baseball before spring training began.

“That fastball has some pretty good zip to it, better than I would have expected so early in spring,” Heisey said.

The word most commonly associated with Urias so far this camp -- his first with the major-league team -- is “poise.” He has a calm about him and a focus on his routine that has shocked people who aren’t aware he is 18 years old. There’s also more coverage of minor-league prospects, so his reputation preceded him.

“I wouldn’t have guessed [his age],” Heisey said, “but I knew it coming in.”

Urias warmed up under the guidance of former major league pitcher Aaron Sele, who works in the Dodgers front office. Sele told him that Chris Reed was completing his batting-practice session and it was time for him to get ready to go.

“OK. Thank you,” Urias said before throwing one final pitch.

Urias had a 2.36 ERA in 25 games for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga last season and became virtually untouchable when the Dodgers discussed trades with other teams. The Dodgers’ official stance has been that Urias won’t be considered for a major-league call-up this season, but they haven’t ruled it out. If he makes it before his birthday in August, he would be the first pitcher to reach the major leagues at 18 since Jose Rijo in 1984.

Once he got to the field, Urias threw almost all fastballs, mixing in a few changeups at the end. Behind the cage were Dodgers legend Sandy Koufax, special assistant Pat Corrales and general manager Farhan Zaidi, among others in the organization. A large assortment of media members watched Urias pitch, prompting Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to joke that it was time to start tweeting. Urias said he wasn’t fazed by the attention.

“I just figure I’ll do my work and forget about what’s behind me or in front of me,” Urias said.

If he keeps clearing hurdles this smoothly, he’s got plenty in front of him.