Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Julio Urias is slated to make his 2017 debut on Monday with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He’s expected to throw three or four innings in his first start of the season, facing the Iowa Cubs.
While Urias was left in extended Spring Training when the Dodgers broke camp, he was optioned to High-A Rancho Cucamonga prior to the Minor League season beginning Thursday. Roberts previously explained that was nothing more than a paper move, and reiterated the 20-year-old would debut with OKC.
Urias slots fifth into the affiliate’s rotation. Trevor Oaks received the nod on Opening Day, and he’s expected to be followed by Wilmer Font, Fabio Castillo and Jair Jurrjens in the ensuing games leading up to Monday.