Dodgers Reflect on Justin Wrobleski’s Season

PHILADELPHIA – The Dodgers are really taken with Justin Wrobleski’s journey of self-reinvention that led him to become an All-Star.

They appreciate his fearless demeanor.

And they know they can rely on him to step up in tough situations, as he did during the Dodgers’ close 2-1 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night.

But the question looms: will they truly trust Wrobleski?

Is there genuine belief in his capabilities?

It’s clear that Wrobleski won’t be part of the four-man playoff rotation, which is understandable. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto joining the team and expectations that Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow will soon return to the mound, the Dodgers are looking at a rotation filled with Cy Young Award winners.

However, if any of the main four pitchers are sidelined, Wrobleski is expected to transition to the bullpen come October.

That’s an intriguing idea, considering Wrobleski boasts an impressive 11-2 record and a 2.62 ERA. Perhaps they see him as more effective in a relief role than as a traditional starter.

Of course, ideas can shift.

To solidify his place, Wrobleski will have to maintain the strong performance he showcased on Tuesday night.

Consistency is key, but he insists that’s not his main focus.

At just 26, the left-handed pitcher claims he’s not feeling any pressure about the uncertainty surrounding his postseason role. He mentioned that his goal is not to display something specific to the team’s management as the season wraps up.

“I don’t go out there anymore trying to show somebody something,” he remarked. “When you do that, you can mess up and lose sight of what truly matters. For me, it’s about daily improvement and performing better every time I take the mound.”

He reiterated that regardless of his postseason role or performance, his priority remains unchanged: to improve with each game. “The chips will fall where they fall,” he added.

On Tuesday evening, he did strike a balance between excitement and nerves, pitching against a formidable opponent like Zach Wheeler. “It’s not like it’s a particularly special game, but it’s thrilling to face someone like him,” Wrobleski noted. “I’ve watched him since I entered the majors and thought, ‘Wow, this is for real.’ Being on the same field as elite talent keeps you sharp.”

What stood out during his latest start was the seven strikeouts he accomplished.

Wrobleski has consistently thrown more pitches in the strike zone than any other Dodgers starter, which helps explain why he has managed to pitch at least seven innings in seven out of his last 15 starts. Yet, this might also contribute to some struggles against stronger teams.

For instance, he allowed seven runs in 8 2/3 innings against the Atlanta Braves and five runs in just five innings facing the Milwaukee Brewers.

Nevertheless, Wrobleski’s recent ability to induce swings and misses bodes well for the Dodgers. In his last three outings, he struck out 27 batters across 21 innings.

“He’s not backing away from the challenge,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked.

Wrobleski departed the game with no runners on base, having thrown only 89 pitches, as part of a strategy to manage his workload. Given that he has already pitched 106 2/3 innings this year, close to last year’s total of 123 1/3 innings across the minors and majors, it makes sense.

Wrobleski expressed his confidence in the Dodgers, trusting they will prioritize his well-being in their planning.

When it comes to his potential role in October, he remains unconcerned. “It’s beyond my control,” he said simply. “Worrying won’t change anything.”

Ultimately, his focus is on his performance, and if he keeps up this level of play, he might find himself more involved in the playoffs than he anticipates.