LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias moved another step closer to a Major League return on Tuesday when he struck out five Lancaster JetHawks in 2 1/3 innings of a Minor League rehab start for Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga.
Urias, 22, is coming back from last summer's surgery to repair his left shoulder capsule. Although a starting pitcher by trade, Urias is being viewed this year as a multiple-innings reliever to help the Dodgers down the stretch.
Urias made 44 pitches, walked one and struck out the side in the second inning. He was scheduled to pitch three innings or 45 pitches.
After retiring the first seven hitters, Urias allowed a home run and walk, then was removed.