The Suspension: Details and Context

On Friday, March 21, 2025, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that Julio Urías, formerly a star pitcher for the los Angeles Dodgers, has been suspended through the 2025 All-Star break for violating MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. This marks Urías as the first player to be suspended twice under this policy, initially adopted in 2015.

The suspension, effectively lasting untill July 17, 2025, renders Urías ineligible to play in MLB until he is reinstated and free to sign with any team thereafter. Unlike suspensions tied to a specific number of games, this one is calendar-based, acknowledging the varying schedules of different teams leading up to the all-Star break. As a notable exmaple, as of this announcement, the Dodgers were slated to play 95 games before the break.

To put this in perspective, out of the 18 players who have faced suspension under this policy, only three have received punishments exceeding 95 games, highlighting the severity of Urías’s repeated violations.

“The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball has completed its investigation into allegations that free agent pitcher Julio Urías violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr.Urías violated our Policy and that discipline is appropriate.”

Rob Manfred, Commissioner of Baseball

A History of Incidents: Urías’s Troubled Past

This recent suspension isn’t an isolated incident. Urías was previously suspended for 20 games in 2019 following a seperate domestic violence incident. This pattern of behavior raises serious questions about rehabilitation and the effectiveness of MLB’s policies.

The latest incident occurred on Sept.3, 2023, outside BMO Stadium after an LAFC game. While initially arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence,the Los Angeles county district attorney’s office declined to file felony charges,citing the nature of the victim’s injuries and Urías’s criminal history. Afterward, the city attorney’s office filed five misdemeanor charges, and Urías ultimately pleaded no contest to one count of domestic battery.The remaining four charges were dropped, and he agreed to participate in a year-long domestic violence treatment program.

Adding another layer to the narrative, witness video obtained by news outlets depicted Urías allegedly charging after his wife, pulling her, and shoving her against a fence. The video further showed him swinging at her. This visual evidence played a significant role in shaping public perception and likely influenced MLB’s decision-making process.

The MLB investigation faced delays because league officials didn’t see the video until it was published, despite reports of its existence circulating shortly after the incident. This raises concerns about the thoroughness and timeliness of MLB’s investigative procedures.

Even prior to the 2019 suspension, Urías faced an arrest after an incident in the Beverly Center parking lot. Although witnesses claimed he pushed his fiancee, and she stated she fell, no charges were filed. Nonetheless, MLB acted, suspending him under its policy that allows disciplinary action even without formal charges.

Following the 2019 incident, Urías stated, “Even though the authorities determined no charges of any kind were warranted, I accept full duty for what I beleive 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. I hold myself to a higher standard as well.” However, the recent events suggest a failure to uphold these self-imposed standards.

The Trevor Bauer Comparison: A contentious Parallel

The case of Trevor Bauer,another former Dodgers pitcher,inevitably surfaces in discussions about Urías’s suspension. Bauer received a staggering 324-game suspension, later reduced to 194 games by an arbitrator, for violating the same policy. This remains the longest suspension ever issued under the policy.

Bauer’s case differs considerably in that he contested the suspension, a path Urías has not pursued. The contrasting approaches raise questions about the nuances of each case and the players’ respective legal strategies. While Bauer has maintained his innocence and fought the allegations, Urías has taken a different path, accepting responsibility by pleading no contest.

As January 2023, Bauer has been a free agent. unable to secure a spot on any Major League Roster, he pitched in japan in 2023 and Mexico in 2024, signing to play in Japan this year.

potential career trajectory and Future Prospects

At 28 years old, urías, a native of Mexico, is currently a free agent. While suspended from MLB until mid-July 2025, he remains eligible to sign with a team in the Mexican League. This presents a potential avenue for him to continue his career while serving his suspension,although it remains to be seen if any Mexican League teams will express interest. Upon reinstatement, he can sign with any team.

Following his administrative leave in 2023, Urías hasn’t pitched. His career is at a standstill, marked by the shadow of these off-field incidents.

It’s critically important to remember Urías’s past achievements. He recorded the final out of the Dodgers’ World Series championship in 2020. He led the National League in victories (20) in 2021 and earned-run average (2.16) in 2022. His talent is undeniable, making his downfall all the more tragic.

MLB’s Domestic Violence Policy: A Closer Look

MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, established in 2015, aims to address these serious issues within the sport. The policy allows the league to investigate allegations and impose disciplinary measures, even in the absence of criminal charges. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to holding players accountable for their conduct, both on and off the field.

However, the effectiveness of the policy remains a subject of debate. Critics argue that the punishments are inconsistent and that the league’s efforts at prevention and rehabilitation are insufficient. Others maintain that the policy represents a significant step forward in addressing a pervasive problem.

The wider Implications: Impact on Fans and the Sport

Cases like Urías’s have a ripple effect, impacting fans, teams, and the integrity of the sport itself. Fans may feel conflicted about supporting a player with a history of domestic violence. Teams face difficult decisions about whether to employ such players, weighing their talent against the potential public relations fallout.The sport as a whole grapples with its responsibility to address these issues and promote a culture of respect and accountability.

The prevalence of domestic violence in professional sports is a persistent concern. Organizations like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) advocate for stronger policies, increased awareness, and comprehensive prevention programs. They emphasize the importance of holding athletes accountable for their actions and providing support to victims.

Ultimately, the Julio Urías case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing domestic violence within professional sports and the complexities involved in balancing accountability, rehabilitation, and the pursuit of justice.