José Ureña is now on to his third team for 2025 after being signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers on the afternoon of June 3.
The 35-year-old from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was previously with the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays this year before being released by the Blue Jays and electing free agency on June 2.
Ureña started 2025 on a minor league deal with the Mets and after three solid starts in Triple-A Syracuse, where he had a 2.89 ERA, he was called up to the active roster on April 27. He did not find the same success in Flushing however, and after giving up five runs in his lone outing, was designated for assignment the next day.
After clearing waivers on May 1, Ureña signed a major league deal with the Blue Jays on May 5. In Toronto, he was able to put together a string of consistent bullpen outings. In 12 1/3 innings, Ureña struck out five batters and had a 3.65 ERA.
This ERA is Ureña’s lowest with a team since 2022, when he pitched 7 2/3 innings with the Milwaukee Brewers. However, Ureña was designated for assignment to make room for pitcher Easton Lucas on May 31. After electing free agency, he was quickly picked up by the Dodgers in hopes of bolstering their injured bullpen.
The Dodgers are Ureña’s ninth MLB team since he made his debut with the Miami Marlins in 2015. He has also spent time with the Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers.
Ureña is a low strikeout, high-contact pitcher and his unorthodox style will transfer over to Los Angeles as he looks to become the next reclamation project for Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior.
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Photo: José Ureña throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
