LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers’ midseason reinforcements are starting to materialize, with the club expected to call up promising left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski to start in his place Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers, according to multiple league sources. Wrobleski was the ninth prospect on the Dodgers’ preseason roster, according to The athleteKeith Lowe.
Wrobleski, 23, has emerged as one of the fastest up-and-comers in the Dodgers’ system and is set to make his major league debut after just two appearances in the third base. The Dodgers selected Wrobleski in the 11th round of the 2021 draft when he was coming off Tommy John surgery. The left-handed catcher has quickly regained the premium stuff that makes him so interesting — a fastball that registers in the high 90s to go with a cutter, curveball and changeup.
The Dodgers have managed to cut down on the passing game that had affected Wrobleski’s recruiting and college production at Clemson and Oklahoma State. His progress as a pro has helped him take another step forward this season. In 13 starts (78 innings) between the second and third divisions, Wrobleski has posted a . 323 batting average, while opposing batters have hit just . 239.
9 throws, 9 strikes, 3 punches!@DodgersPromising No. 29 Justin Wrobleski puts in a flawless run for the @Great Sloan Lake: pic.twitter.com/5eIqtB5NPK
— Little League Baseball (@MiLB) April 21, 2023
Wrobleski’s arrival fills an immediate short-term hole for the Dodgers, who have seen injuries pile up and are looking to continue giving their healthy starters more rest whenever possible.
The club has posted a 5.03 strikeout rate in 78 2/3 innings from its starters since Yoshinobu Yamamoto suffered a rotator cuff strain last month. Walker Buehler is back on the injured list as he works to correct his position after his second Tommy John surgery. Clayton Kershaw has dealt with a brief bump in his rehab from shoulder surgery — the left-hander threw in the relief bullpen Thursday and said he felt strong afterward — that doesn’t appear to be an immediate concern but it does change the timeline for his return a bit.
Injuries to several key players over the past week have left the Dodgers in a position where they have to rely on their depth. No starter has been able to complete five innings since Gavin Stone’s complete game more than a week ago.
Instead of tiring out their relief players with more plays in the relief bullpen, they would hand the ball to Wrobleski.
(Photo: Justin Wrobleski from 2022: Tracy Proffitt/ForSim Images via AP)