Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio UrÃas, aged 27, is facing a total of five misdemeanor charges following an alleged physical altercation with his wife during a 2023 soccer game.
Reported by TMZ, the left-handed free agent has been charged with one count of spousal battery, two counts of domestic battery related to a dating relationship, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of assault.
UrÃas, a native of Mexico, is scheduled for arraignment in early May. The incident occurred at an MLS match between Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, and LAFC. Initial reports suggested that the altercation began after UrÃas’ wife expressed displeasure at him posing for photos with female fans at the Major League Soccer event.
According to TMZ, the alleged victim exhibited marks of strangulation on her neck, with UrÃas purportedly attempting to strike her. A charge evaluation worksheet from the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office outlined that during an argument, UrÃas “pushed [her] against a fence and pulled her by the hair or shoulders.” However, the document noted that neither the victim’s injuries nor UrÃas’ criminal history warranted felony charges. Consequently, the case was referred to the city attorney for misdemeanor consideration.
Following the World Series, UrÃas became a free agent after spending eight years with the Dodgers. He was placed on indefinite administrative leave by Major League Baseball subsequent to his arrest outside BMO Stadium in Exposition Park during a Major League Soccer game. The arrest followed a report from a citizen regarding a physical altercation between a man and a woman. UrÃas was apprehended by Department of Public Safety officers on felony suspicion of domestic violence.
Under baseball’s joint policy with the players’ association concerning domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, the leave can precede a potential suspension. Despite the absence of a criminal conviction, MLB could impose a suspension on the 27-year-old pitcher if it determines a violation of the policy. UrÃas was previously arrested in May 2019 on suspicion of domestic battery, resulting in a 20-game suspension by MLB. However, he was not prosecuted by the Los Angeles city attorney on the condition that he complete a 52-week domestic violence counseling program. To date, no player has been suspended twice under MLB’s domestic violence policy.
