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Dodgers add Casey Fien, considering Julio Urias promotion

Los Angeles is seeking bullpen help.

Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles is seeking bullpen help and is considering promoting prospect Julio Urias, according to Southern California News Group's J.P. Hoornstra.

Urias has thrived as a starter with Triple-A to this point, pitching to a 1.88 ERA over 24.0 innings while only walking three batters. At just 19, Urias has been deemed the second-best prospect in baseball by MLB.com.

Since joining the Dodgers in 2012, Urias has rapidly progressed through their minor league system. He has pitched to a 3.00 career ERA and has spent his entire minor league career as a starter. Eventually, Urias is likely to join Los Angeles' rotation.

The Dodgers have had difficulty finding consistent bullpen arms to pitch in front of closer Kenley Jansen, and their 4.26 bullpen ERA ranks 21st overall. Promoting Urias could prove to be valuable, since it would allow the club to manage the number of innings he throws and enable him to slowly adjust to facing major league hitters.

Jose De Leon and Jharel Cotton have also been discussed as bullpen options, according to Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times.

However, Casey Fien, who Shaikin reported was claimed by the Dodgers, could also be an option to pitch out of the Dodgers' bullpen.

Minnesota placed Fien on waivers earlier this week after he allowed 12 runs over 13.2 innings with the Twins this season. He has proven to be more effective in the past, though. Last season, he pitched to a 3.55 ERA.

Fien is a candidate to contribute immediately, but the Dodgers could decide to option him to Triple-A and call upon him when they feel it's necessary.