LOS ANGELES — José, we hardly knew ya! Veteran right-hander José Ureña is once again a free agent after electing to test the market following his designation for assignment by the Dodgers earlier this week. According to MLB’s official transaction log, Ureña cleared waivers and chose to pursue opportunities elsewhere rather than accept a minor league assignment.
Ureña’s time with Los Angeles was brief but serviceable. Signed on June 3, he made two appearances for the Dodgers, tossing three innings of one-run ball while striking out two and walking one. Though his stay was short, the 33-year-old brought a veteran presence and provided useful innings out of the bullpen during a stretch when the Dodgers were managing multiple injuries to their pitching staff. His “shining moment,” if you can call it that, was a 2 1/3-inning outing against the Mets on June 5, allowing the Dodgers to marshall a 6-5 comeback win against New Yorkers.
This marks the third Major League club Ureña has suited up for in 2025. He also made appearances with the Mets and Blue Jays earlier this season, compiling 18 1/3 innings across nine outings. Over that span, he posted a 5.40 ERA, striking out 10 and issuing five walks.
While those numbers don’t jump off the page, Ureña offers some appeal to teams in need of depth. He remains a viable swingman candidate thanks to his mid-to-upper 90s sinker and ability to handle multiple innings in a relief or spot-start role. Just last season, he was a steady contributor for the Texas Rangers, throwing 109 innings with a 3.80 ERA and an impressive 50% ground ball rate.
Strikeouts have never been Ureña’s calling card—nor have pristine walk rates—but his ability to induce soft contact and cover innings continues to draw interest from teams seeking flexibility on the pitching staff.
For the Dodgers, Ureña’s departure opens up another potential bullpen spot as the team continues to cycle through arms in search of consistency and durability. With high-stakes games on the horizon and the trade deadline approaching, every roster spot matters.
Where Ureña lands next remains to be seen, but with his experience and skill set, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him latch on with another club in need of a depth option—especially one looking to fortify its long relief corps.
Stay tuned to see where the journeyman righty’s next chapter begins.
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