While essentially every bit of news in regards to Dodgers starting pitching has been bad this year, we may have some of our first good news. It appears the Dodgers could be seeing one of their most promising starters returning as early as next month.

Julio Urias could be ready to pitch in games by the end of July, Dave Roberts said. — Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) June 2, 2018

Nearly a year ago, Urias had season-ending anterior capsule surgery on his left shoulder. It was pretty serious, as the recovery time was expected to be 12-14 months. If Urias does return next month, it’ll mark right around 13 months since we last saw him pitch.

In 2016, the young phenom started 15 games. He went 5-2, posting an impressive 3.38 ERA, while averaging nearly 10 strikeouts per nine innings. More impressively, he did it as a 19 year-old. He wasn’t the same in 2017. Though he appeared in five games, his numbers weren’t that impressive. He was 0-2, with a 5.40 ERA, averaging only 4.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

Analysis

Urias has been one of the more coveted prospects in recent memory. Still at the young age of 21, the future is still very bright for him. Hopefully he’ll be able to make his return next month for the boys in blue. I know Dodgers fans all over are anxious to see the young phenom throw again. It’ll especially be exciting to see him paired with Walker Buehler, the other young phenom starter for the Dodgers. With a player of Urias’ caliber, it’s important the Dodgers don’t rush him back. With plenty of time left in the season, it’s essential to make sure he’s 100 percent ready before sending him back out to the mound.

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