Urena Continues To Look Like An Ace-In-Waiting

Rookie starter Walbert Urena is giving the Los Angeles Angels plenty to think about going forward, as he continues to look like a pitcher who could lead an effective rotation, especially if he actually gets some offensive support. 

That didn’t happen yesterday, as the Angels lost yet another 1-0 game to the Pittsburgh Pirates, but Urena seemed unfazed by this. He kept putting up zeroes well after Pirates ace Paul Skenes had left the game, and by the time it was over his ERA was down to 2.74. 

“[Ureña’s] done extremely well against some great pitchers,” said Angels manager Kurt Suzuki in a piece written by John Perrotto of MLB.com. “Kudos to him. He pitched an amazing game. He was awesome.”

Skenes wasn’t the only All-Star Urena has pitched against and held his own. The list also includes Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers, Sandy Alcantara of the Milami Marlins and Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers. 

Urena has refined his approach and become more economical as his command and control have improved. He’s attacking the strike zone without hunting strikeouts, and he’s getting better at putting hitters away, as evidenced by the 88 pitches he needed to go eight innings yesterday. 

“I was just trying to attack, trying to get ground balls, and I think that’s what we do,” Ureña said. “I was just trying to attack every hitter on every pitch. Even the home run by [Henry] Davis came on a pretty good sinker, and I might throw it again if I had the chance.”

That home run cost him the game, but it was hardly Urena’s fault. He’s also going through a different kind of pitching crucible working for a team that can’t score runs, but he just keeps ignoring the scoreboard and getting outs. 

The length he’s providing is a relatively new development, but Suzuki didn’t hesitate to send him out for the eighth, even though he’s gone seven in his previous start against the New York Yankees. 

“[Ureña’s] strong, man,” Suzuki said. “We’ve seen it all year. He gets 100 pitches, and he’s still throwing 100 [mph]. It just looks like he isn’t even putting any effort into it; his delivery is so easy. You’re just kind of amazed every time he takes the ball.” 

Suzuki caught in the big leagues for 16 seasons before becoming a rookie manager this year, and that gives him a special take on Urena’s success. 

“[Ureña’s] been incredible, and he keeps getting better,” Suzuki said.