Dodgers reveal completely repainted 2020 World Series mural by Julio Urías

Covering Julio Urías’ prominent spot on the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series mural at Dodger Stadium with a temporary tarp was one thing.

Paint over Urías with several different images of other Dodgers stars? Yes, that seems to give a sense of finality to the process.

A few weeks ago, Scott Boras was the most prominent factor standing in the way of a long-term Dodgers reunion with Urias. But two weeks ago, Urías’ second (public) domestic violence incident of his career in Los Angeles sent football into overdrive well before the winter meetings. Now, it’s not entirely clear what kind of deal Urías will be eligible for, and which downtrodden team will dare give it to him, just weeks after he seemed poised to dominate the market.

The horrific circumstances of the end of Urías’ season have left the Dodgers struggling to fill the October innings, but the real-world ramifications of the 27-year-old’s behavior are far more significant. He should not be idolized. He shouldn’t be mentioned. And he certainly shouldn’t be visible at Dodger Stadium long-term, no matter how cathartic the drought-breaking final pitch of the 2020 World Series was for the entire community.

The mural that fans saw covered up a week ago reappeared over the weekend, when artist Jonas Never and the Dodgers made quick work of the concrete at Dodger Stadium. Now, a gear-clad Will Smith and Austin Barnes have taken Urias’ place.

Give the Dodgers credit. When a mural must be restored under duress, the organization is always in he.

The flags fly forever and the ring that Urías helped the Dodgers win will never be erased from the record as a result of his alleged abusive behavior. But you can count on the Dodgers to do the most thorough job possible to get him out of the narrative going forward. For all intents and purposes, Rays shortstop Willy Adames was caught looking into the air, which powerfully hit Barnes’ glove for the final out.

That’s probably why you see Barnes on that wall today. Forget the man on the mound; The Dodgers’ backup catcher led a ghost to the goal line and a celebration ensued. That is final.