Los Angeles Dodgers: Pitchers that could step up while Julio Urias is out

Julio Urias will not be seeing any game action for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the near future, which opens the door for other pitchers to step up.

This past weekend, just a day after Julio Urias of the Los Angeles Dodgers made his third three-inning save of the season, news came out that Major League Baseball had suspended Urias for 20 games for violating MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy.

Urias will miss 15 games after already missing five games earlier in the season. This development leaves the Dodgers without one of their better arms in the bullpen and it also gives some other players the opportunity to make a mark in the always in flux Dodgers bullpen.

In the absence of Urias, these are three pitchers who could step up and show they’re worthiness in the bullpen.

Adam Kolarek

Adam Kolarek was a trade deadline move meant to bring in a left-handed specialist to add another lefty to go along with Julio Urias to bolster the bullpen.

With Urias out, Kolarek is now the main left-hander in the bullpen, unless you count Caleb Ferguson and his -0.4 WAR and 6.04 ERA. Kolarek has made seven appearances with the Dodgers and since the trade, he has yet to give up a run; but until recently, he’s been facing one batter an appearance.

Kolarek’s best game came against the Atlanta Braves this weekend when he went one and one-third innings, giving up zero hits. Those are the types of games that the Dodgers will need from Kolarek going forward.

Dustin May

Dustin May was brought up from Triple-A to be a starter but eventually be a showcase arm in the postseason. With Urias out, May will get even more of an audition in the bullpen.

Unfortunately, May failed his first test coming out of the bullpen in Sunday’s getaway game against the Braves. May had a 3-1 one lead in the sixth to protect and subsequently gave up four runs on a grand slam that provided the winning margin in the Braves’ 5-3 win.

One game does not predict what will happen in the future but May has to be better than he was on Sunday.

Casey Sadler

Another midseason acquisition from Tampa Bay, Casey Sadler has quietly pitched sublimely. In 12 and one-third innings with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sadler has given up one run while striking out eight for a minuscule 0.73 ERA.

Sadler was recalled from Triple-A when Urias was suspended. He now will be under the spotlight as a useful arm in the bullpen. With Urias not able to come back until September, Salder will get a long audition to stick to the bullpen when the roster is expanded next month.