Albert Chen, Sports Illustrated (5/4/16)With Scott Kazmir’s health concerns and Alex Wood’s struggles, Los Angeles could soon have a decision to make with 19-year-old Jose Urias, who has struck out 23 and posted a 2.50 ERA in 18 innings at Triple A Oklahoma City.
“He’s ready, and he is going to be very, very special," said one scout who has seen Urias pitch recently. "Fabulous arm, fabulous stuff. He gets a lot of swings out of the strike zone, because his stuff is so good. It’s a big curveball, though the one thing I’ll say is that those types of pitches don’t seem to be called strikes up here. He’ll have to make adjustments. But his stuff is going to play. He’s 19, so they’re not going to rush him, but if someone goes down or somebody struggles, they’re going to have to consider calling him up. And that might be soon.”
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Vince Lara-Cinisomo, Baseball America (5/5/16)Julio Urias, lhp, Dodgers. The No. 4 overall prospect in the game, the Dodgers have carefully monitored the teenager’s innings. For just the sixth time in 66 pro appearances, Urias pitched six innings Wednesday, and what a great six innings they were. Only one runner reached—on an error (and Urias picked him off)—and Urias struck out six for Triple-A Oklahoma City against New Orleans (Marlins). He threw 52 of 77 pitches for strikes. Through five games, he’s struck out 29, walked three and given up just 14 hits in 24 innings. Urias has a fastball that can touch 97, a swing-and-miss changeup and a put-away curveball. All that’s left to prove in the minors is that he can withstand a starter’s workload.
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Austin Barnes, cf, Dodgers. Already known for his great versatility, Barnes added center field to his list of positions on Wednesday. Playing behind Urias, Barnes did not have a chance in the outfield, but Oklahoma City was confident enough to station him there. Barnes had two hits and a stolen base as well. Barnes, 26, lacks a standout tool, but he gets on base and does the little things that add to his value.
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Erisbel Arruebarrena, ss, Dodgers. Arruebarrena, who signed for $25 million over five years in 2014, has been suspended by the Dodgers for the remainder of the season without pay, according to Barry Lewis of the Tulsa World. Director of player development Gabe Kapler told reporters that the suspension occurred due to “repeated failure to comply with the terms of his contract.” He was also suspended five games by the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2014 for his role in a benches-clearing brawl. Known for his glove, Arruebarrena has just a .624 OPS this season after a solid 2015 with the bat.
Baseball America Prospect Report (May 5)
