Wrobleski Shines Brightly as ‘Shark’ in All-Star Game

PHILADELPHIA — Earlier this season, Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez dubbed Justin Robleski with the nickname “Shark.” On Tuesday night, Wrobleski truly embodied that name, achieving something that hadn’t happened since Martinez himself did it over 25 years ago.

In what turned out to be a 4-0 defeat for the National League at Citizens Bank Park, Wrobleski delivered an impressive two-inning relief performance during the MLB’s 96th All-Star Game.

He dominated the seventh inning, striking out the side, including Rays slugger Yandy Diaz with a blazing 97 mph fastball, capping off a stellar 12-pitch frame.

Despite giving up a solo home run to his former minor league teammate Miguel Vargas in the eighth, Wrobleski bounced back with two more strikeouts, making history in the process.

It’s been since 1999 that a pitcher struck out five batters in an All-Star Game; the all-time record is six.

Among Dodgers pitchers in All-Star history, Wrobleski’s performance tied him with legends Fernando Valenzuela and Don Drysdale for the most strikeouts recorded by a Dodgers pitcher in this event.

When congratulated after the game, Wrobleski couldn’t help but smile, taking a moment to appreciate his achievement.

“It feels pretty cool,” he remarked, but quickly added with a chuckle, “The exception is that I hit a home run. That’s what’s on my mind right now.” He was referring to Vargas’s memorable low slider hit that soared to the second deck of left field.

“I’m really happy for him. He’s having a great year,” Wrobleski said. “It was great to see, but I really wish it wasn’t off me.”

Still, his All-Star appearance stands out as a highlight of his breakout season, especially since it coincided with his 26th birthday.

“I feel so blessed and lucky to have this opportunity,” Wrobleski shared. “Not many players can say they played on their birthday. My family is here, and I got to talk to them all day. It was a lot of fun.”

Interestingly, Wrobleski’s journey to the All-Star Game is quite an underdog story. Just a year ago, he was navigating the minor leagues and revamping his pitching technique after a rocky season start. By October, he found himself in the Dodgers’ bullpen, making significant contributions in the World Series, even as he faced potential exclusion from the 2026 rotation.

Yet, after getting a starting chance early this season, the former 11th-round draft pick transformed into one of the most effective pitchers with a 10-2 record and a commendable 2.69 ERA, ranking seventh in the National League.

“I’ve always believed I could do this,” Wrobleski reflected. Despite overcoming hurdles in his college career, three school transfers, and undergoing Tommy John surgery just before being drafted, he maintained faith in his abilities. “I’ve always thought God gave me the talent to make this happen, and it’s amazing to not only realize that dream but to show I can excel at the major league level.”

Ironically, earlier this year, Wrobleski struggled with striking out batters, boasting only 53 strikeouts in 86 1/3 innings. For many, his reliance on soft contact raised doubts about the sustainability of his success.

However, recently he has upturned that narrative, adding velocity to his fastball and sharpening his secondary pitches. His confidence has surged; during a start against the Athletics at the end of June, he notched 11 strikeouts, followed by another nine against the Rockies. This impressive performance led to him being named the second-to-last National League All-Star selection.

When Tuesday rolled around, he continued to showcase his development on one of baseball’s biggest stages.

“I’ve learned and grown, figuring out how to get hitters out and where to exploit mistakes,” Wrobleski said, noting the mix of pitches that contributed to his success, including two strikeouts using high fastballs.

“In situations like this, hitters tend to be a bit more aggressive. I pitched well, got a strikeout, and I hope we can build on that moving forward.”

With his remarkable season, Wrobleski has embraced the nickname “The Shark,” initially coined by Martinez in a June social media post.

During his entrance on Tuesday, he even wore a custom jacket with a shark embroidered inside, joking, “We’re trying to navigate that. People seem to like it.”

After a historic performance, he continues to reinforce his blossoming reputation.