The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without pitcher Julio Urias who has been suspended 20 games under Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, the league announced on Saturday.
Urias, who has already served five games of the suspension, has said he will not appeal.
Urias, 23, was arrested back on May 13th following an altercation with a woman in a parking lot of a Los Angeles shopping mall. The Los Angeles city attorney’s office announced that that it would not file charges against Urias as long as Urias participates in a 52-week domestic counseling program and commits no acts of violence for the next year.
In a statement issued through the MLBPA on Saturday, Urias stated that he’s been “fully cooperating” with law enforcement officials and the MLB since May, and stated that he accepts “full responsibility for what I believe was my inappropriate conduct during the incident.”
“Even in this instance where there was no injury or history of violence, I understand and agree that Major League players should be held to a higher standard,” Urias stated.
“I hold myself to a higher standard as well. I have taken proactive steps to help me grow as a person on and off the field, and in my relationships.”
“It is important to me not to create uncertainty for my teammates as we approach the playoffs,” Urias said. “Accepting the suspension is the best path to achieve that goal.”
The Dodgers issued a statement saying; “While we are disappointed in what occurred and support the decision by the Commissioner’s Office, we are also encouraged that Julio has taken responsibility for his actions and believe he will take the necessary steps to learn from this incident.”
Urias has posted a 4-3 record with four saves and a 2.53 ERA for the Dodgers this season.