Justin Wrobleski has been a revelation for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season after receiving his first full-time opportunity in the starting rotation.
After taking a no-decision against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, Wrobleski remains undefeated in six starts against American League opponents this season. He made Dodgers franchise history by going 5-0 during that span, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins and Athletics.
Wrobleski additionally became the first pitcher in Dodgers history to make at least five Interleague starts in a single season. His only bullpen appearance of the season on March 30 also came against an AL opponent in the Cleveland Guardians.
The left-hander allowed five runs on seven hits, including a career-worst four home runs, in six innings of work against the Mariners. He exited with the score evened at five apiece before Alex Vesia surrendered the go-ahead home run in the top of the eighth. Seattle went on to take the series opener, 7-6.
The Dodgers have won 12 of Wrobleski’s 17 starts this season. He ranks ninth in the National League with a 2.88 ERA (min. 17 games started). The 26-year-old is also third in the Majors with a 1.02 WHIP and ninth with a .222 opponents’ batting average.
Dodgers to limit Justin Wrobleski’s workload
Wrobleski has been an unsung hero for the Dodgers this season, but will likely be limited down the stretch as the team prioritizes his availability in the playoffs.
“We’re going to keep an eye on him,” manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA earlier this month. “He’s obviously a huge piece of what we’re doing and what we’re going to be doing. I think with the six-man that we’re kind of beholden to this whole season, I think that’s helped.
“And just each outing, manage how he looks and how he’s feeling, a lot of conversations that we have. But yeah, we’re looking out to play through October so got to be mindful of the workload.”
Last season, Wrobleski threw a total of 123.1 innings between his time with Triple-A Oklahoma, the Dodgers and in the postseason. He’s on track to surpass that mark and set a new career high even with the team’s intention to lighten the workload. After his start against the Mariners, Wrobleski is at 112.2 innings on the year.
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