Major League Baseball has the power to discipline any player who violates the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy, regardless of legal outcomes. Los Angeles Dodgers free-agent left-handed pitcher Julio Urías is facing charges of five misdemeanors from the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office after his arrest last September. The charges include spousal battery, domestic battery involving a dating relationship, false imprisonment, and assault. An arraignment is scheduled for May 2.
Despite his legal troubles, Urías has had success on the field, finishing in the top 10 of Cy Young Award voting twice and leading the league in earned run average in 2022. However, Urías has not played since being placed on administrative leave and his contract with the Dodgers expired at the end of last season, making him a free agent. If MLB imposes another suspension on Urías, it is likely to be significant given his prior offense.
The league is expected to take action in accordance with its policy on domestic violence and other forms of abuse. MLB has suspended players for policy violations before but never one who has faced multiple suspensions like Urías could potentially face if he is disciplined again. It would make history as the first player in league history to receive multiple suspensions for policy violations.
