MLB places Dodgers' Julio Urias on administrative leave

Major League Baseball has placed Dodgers starter Julio Urías on administrative leave, according to a league announcement. That’s the standard procedure for players who are being investigated for a possible violation of the MLB/MLBPA domestic violence policy.

“Per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, Julio Urías has been placed on Administrative Leave until further notice as MLB continues its ongoing investigation,” the league said in a statement. “The administrative leave, which is effective immediately, is not disciplinary under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.  We will refrain from further comment until the appropriate time.”

Urías was arrested on a felony domestic violence charge on Sunday. He was released on bond and reportedly has a court date scheduled for Sept. 27. The Dodgers announced on Monday that Urías would not be traveling with the team, though he technically counted against the club’s roster until today.

As the league noted, administrative leave is not a finding of fact nor a disciplinary action. It’s a jointly agreed upon measure between the league and players union that keeps the player off the field while MLB conducts its investigation. 

Players continue to be paid while on leave, though they would retroactively forfeit salary if MLB ultimately levies a suspension. The league can impose discipline even in the absence of a criminal conviction. Urías was suspended for 20 games for a violation of the domestic violence policy during the 2019 season.

The Dodgers now have an opening on the active and 40-man rosters. It seems they’ll fill the MLB spot by recalling right-hander Ryan Pepiot, who’d been optioned to Triple-A last week. 

Manager Dave Roberts told reporters (including Juan Toribio of MLB.com) that Pepiot will take the ball Thursday against the Marlins for what would’ve been Urías’ turn in the rotation.