The Los Angeles Dodgers have bolstered their pitching staff by signing right-hander Jose Urena, who will join the team in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. This acquisition comes after Urena had a stint with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he made only one appearance before being designated for assignment by the New York Mets back in April.
Urena, who began his Major League Baseball career with the Miami Marlins in 2015, brings a wealth of experience to the Dodgers. He spent six seasons with the Marlins before brief periods with the Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago White Sox. Last season, he showed promise with the Texas Rangers, posting a 3.80 ERA over 33 appearances and recording 70 strikeouts in 109 innings pitched.
At 33 years old, Urena aims to demonstrate that he still has much to offer, particularly after his most substantial workload since 2018. In his time with Toronto, he registered a 3.65 ERA across 12.1 innings of work. The Dodgers, currently facing extensive injuries within their pitching roster, view Urena as a potential asset due to his versatility on the mound—having started 154 of his 239 career games.
With 963.2 career innings over his 11 seasons in MLB, Urena’s experience and adaptability are expected to benefit the Dodgers as they navigate a challenging time with their pitching staff. This signing presents a hopeful opportunity for Urena to rejuvenate his career and contribute effectively to a team in need.
In light of the Dodgers’ struggles with injuries, bringing in a seasoned pitcher like Urena could be pivotal in enhancing their performance as they continue through the season.