Justin Wrobleski is in the midst of a breakout year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which comes after he joined the starting rotation on a full-time basis less than two weeks into the regular season.
Through six games (five starts), the left-hander owns a perfect 5-0 record with a 1.25 ERA, 3.22 FIP and 1.00 WHIP in 36 innings pitched. He’s allowed only two earned runs in 32 frames as a starter.
“He’s doing it a different way in the sense of he’s always on the attack,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA. “Doesn’t walk many guys, puts the ball in play. I like his rhythm and pace of play.
“For me, I think there’s a performance piece you can’t argue. He’s been very good for a good bit of time. I think for me, it’s just keep the blinders on, and things will take care of themselves as long as he continues to perform.
“But yeah, 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.”
Despite opening the year in the bullpen, the Dodgers have indicated Wrobleski is viewed as a starter long-term. That’s especially noteworthy with Blake Snell returning Saturday, though for the time being there doesn’t need to be anyone squeezed out of the rotation because of Tyler Glasnow landing on the 15-day injured list.
Otherwise, one of team’s starters was looking at the prospect of demoted to a relief role.
Such a decision was — and eventually may — be between Emmet Sheehan and Wrobleski as the Dodgers have maintained Roki Sasaki won’t be moved to the bullpen. In the meantime, Wrobleski’s next start is Sunday in the series finale against the Atlanta Braves.
Justin Wrobleski’s lack of strikeouts
While Wrobleski struggling to accumulate strikeouts could be a sign of regression to come, the Dodgers are not concerned about the possibility.
“I know the strikeout numbers aren’t eye-popping, but he’s keeping us in the game. The defense is alive for him, and he’s just throwing strikes,” Freddie Freeman recently said on SportsNet LA. “That’s all you can really ask for. We feel very confident with him out there. He’s been pitching really, really well.”
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