With several key starting pitchers working their way back from injury, Justin Wrobleski became the latest Los Angeles Dodgers prospect to make his MLB debut earlier this month.
The left-hander was called up for a spot start against the Milwaukee Brewers and had mixed results. He was expected to go back to Triple-A Oklahoma City after the outing, but remained with the team due to Tyler Glasnow landing on the 15-day injured list.
Wrobleski then faced the Detroit Tigers in what was another inconsistent start, but nevertheless provided five innings on the mound.
Prior to Wrobleski taking the mound for a third time, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts credited the 24-year-old for handling himself well in a bigger opportunity than first anticipated, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“I think he just has a calm to himself and he’s obviously talented, but there’s something about this guy that I just feel it’s his time. I think the run – depending on performance – is going to be longer than we, or I, initially anticipated.”
Even with Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw on the verge of returning, there is room for Wrobleski to continue contributing in the Majors should the Dodgers shift to a six-man rotation.
Wrobleski fared well against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, which was the best start of his young career. He allowed just three hits and collected five strikeouts against two walks over 4.1 scoreless innings.
Wrobleski is 0-1 with a 4.40 ERA, 6.23 FIP and 1.33 WHIP in 14.1 innings at the big league level this season.
Justin Wrobleski: ‘Better than how I’ve pitched’
After his start against the Tigers, Wrobleski expressed frustration with his performance and said that he has pitched better than his numbers indicate.
Wrobleski also acknowledged there’s been somewhat of a learning curve with facing Major League hitters but reiterated there are aspects within his control that can be improved.
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