This season is the first time since 2008 that Clayton Kershaw will not throw a single pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers as he sailed off into retirement following their back-to-back World Series win last year.
Kershaw’s impact on the organization nonetheless is everlasting, and he remains in position to continue making a mark as a special assistant in the front office. In the meantime, the Dodgers have had the good fortune of watching another left-hander with hair that comes out from underneath his cap shine so far this season.
Justin Wrobleski is taking the mound Sunday with a 5-0 record and 1.25 ERA in six games (five starts). His emergence has proven key for the Dodgers operating with a six-man rotation and could be all the more significant with Tyler Glasnow on the 15-day injured list because of back spasms.
“You know, not really,” manager Dave Roberts initially answered when asked if Wrobleski has surpassed his expectations. “If you look at the stat line, probably exceeded. But I think as far as expectations on what we were going to get when we give him the baseball, it’s right in line.
“He’s prepared, he goes after guys, he wears Skechers like Clayton does. He does his side work with his full jersey like Clayton did. He’s got a great mentor in Clayton, and I think a lot of times he’s channeling that kind of, ‘Go at guys and make them put the ball in play.’”
One point of caution with Wrobleski is his lack of strikeouts. That typically suggests impending regression, but for the time being the Dodgers gladly are taking his success however it comes.
“I think he’s doing it a different way in the sense of he’s always on the attack. Doesn’t walk many guys, puts the ball in play. I like his rhythm and pace of play,” Roberts said.
“For me, I think there’s a performance piece that you can’t argue. He’s been very good for a good amount of time. He’s shown me everything, from what he’s done in the ‘pen, what he’s done as a starter, what he’s done as a Major League player.”
Justin Wrobleski inspired by Clayton Kershaw
That Wrobleski would draw a comparison to Kershaw doesn’t come as much of a surprise when considering his comments earlier this season.
“That’s something Kersh did forever,” Wrobleski said last month of his former teammate effectively relying on a fastball and slider. “I’m not saying we’re the same guy, but at the same time, you can learn from the greats in that respect. They keep it simple.
“There was nothing overly special. He wasn’t trying to trick anybody. I think that’s something I’ve learned even with watching Yama, Snell and all these guys. They’re not trying to trick people. They’re just executing pitches with great stuff and letting the results happen.
“Some days you can throw the same pitches and get hit. Some days you can throw those exact same pitches and have a great outing. Just keeping it simple is big for me.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
