Julio Urías made his MLB debut on May 27, 2016, for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the New York Mets at Citi Field. This game was particularly significant due to the strong competition the Mets presented.
At 19 years old, Urías was the youngest starting pitcher to debut for the Dodgers since 18-year-old Dick Calmus in 1963. His age added to the excitement and pressure surrounding his debut.
Urías pitched 2.2 innings, allowing three runs on five hits, with four walks and three strikeouts. While not a dominant performance, it showed glimpses of his potential.
Urías started the game with some jitters, evident in his control issues. He walked two batters in the first inning but managed to escape without giving up a run, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure.
He struck out three batters, including notable hitters Curtis Granderson and Asdrúbal Cabrera. These strikeouts highlighted his capability to compete at the major league level despite the challenges.
Urías threw 81 pitches over his 2.2 innings. Due to a high pitch count and control issues, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided to pull him from the game before the end of the third inning.
The debut served as a valuable learning experience for Urías. Facing a strong Mets lineup in a high-stakes environment provided him with insights into the adjustments needed at the major league level.
While his debut was not without difficulties, the Dodgers and the media remained optimistic about Urías' future. His raw talent and the ability to strike out seasoned hitters were seen as positives. Manager Dave Roberts and teammates expressed confidence in his potential and looked forward to his development