The Unexpected Star of the Dodgers’ Rotation
If you were to ask a casual Los Angeles Dodgers fan to name the current starting rotation, it’s unlikely that the first name they would mention is Justin Wrobleski. Shohei Ohtani? Definitely. Yoshinobu Yamamoto? Probably. But not Wrobleski. However, it’s hard to imagine the Dodgers sitting at the top of the National League West without this left-hander, who has exceeded expectations in 2026.
A Rising Star in the Shadows
Wrobleski was initially called up during the middle of the 2024 season to fill a rotation that was struggling with injuries. He served as a temporary solution, but his performance was not stellar, with an ERA over five and a tendency to give up home runs. In 36 1/3 innings, he allowed nine home runs, which was not ideal.
In 2025, Wrobleski spent most of his time in the bullpen, with occasional spot starts. Despite this, he improved his ERA by nearly a run and a half and reduced his home run total by a third, while also pitching nearly 30 more innings. His role in Game Seven of the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays was crucial, as he held them off until the Dodgers could stage a comeback.
Finding His Place in the Rotation
As spring training approached this year, the Dodgers announced their plan to use a six-man rotation. Wrobleski had the chance to compete for a spot, primarily because of his powerful fastball, which can reach 95+ mph. The potential for swing-and-miss pitches was too good to ignore. Initially, he was expected to be a piggy-back option to relieve Shohei Ohtani and others as needed. That changed when injuries struck.
The Right Man for the Job
It became clear that left-hander Blake Snell wouldn’t be ready for the start of the season due to shoulder fatigue. This opened the door for Wrobleski. Although he only has 27 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched, his strength this season has been his ability to “pitch to contact.” He relies on a two-pitch mix of slider and fastball. His current ERA is 2.49, and his record stands at 6-1. He works quickly, keeping the defense alert and leading to some incredible catches behind him. This highlights the importance of pitching over simply throwing.
Efficiency and Length
Wrobleski averages 17.5 outs per outing, which is among the highest in the majors. In fact, he has gone at least six innings in five out of his last six starts. With Snell sidelined after elbow surgery and the bullpen missing its injured closer, Edwin Díaz, the length of each outing is even more critical for the Dodgers to maintain their success.
Despite one rough outing against the Atlanta Braves, where he struggled with location and gave up seven runs, Wrobleski still managed to pitch almost eight innings despite the loss. This mixed blessing shows the challenges when two members of the starting rotation are out. When he does give up runs, he manages to limit the damage, reflecting a poise that may not have always been present.
A Crucial Test Ahead
The Dodgers arrived at American Family Field on a roll. However, there’s a saying in baseball that your momentum is only as good as tonight’s starting pitcher. We will see if Wrobleski and the Dodgers can keep it going in Milwaukee this weekend.
