Urias said Tuesday that he reported to spring training at 223 pounds, about 20 pounds lighter than he was at the end of the 2021 season, Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reports. "I always come to spring training lighter," Urias said. "I don't know. I've lost more weight in the past."
The weight loss doesn't seem to be borne out of a desire for better results, coming off a breakout 2021 campaign in which Urias compiled a 2.96 ERA and 195 strikeouts over 185.2 innings. Instead, Urias attributed his svelter body to approaching his career with more maturity and professionalism. Still just 25 years old, Urias might yet be able to reach another level, but even if he merely maintains his strong form from 2021, he'll have an argument for being the majors' top No. 3 pitcher in any rotation. The Dodgers re-signed Clayton Kershaw last week to pair with budding ace Walker Buehler atop the rotation, while the pitching staff could get stronger yet if and when Trevor Bauer (personal) returns from administrative leave.