The Los Angeles Dodgers' starting pitching depth continues to be tested.
On Sunday, the Dodgers announced that left-handed starter Justin Wrobleski was placed on the 15-day injured list with left forearm inflammation. Wrobleski, 26, pitched the previous day against the Milwaukee Brewers, tossing six innings but allowing four runs on four hits to take the loss.
In a corresponding move, Los Angeles recalled right-handed pitcher Kyle Hurt from the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets.
Wrobleski is in his third major league season, but this is his first as a member of the Dodgers' starting rotation. After appearing in 24 games but making just two starts in 2025, injuries to multiple other starters gave Wrobleski an opportunity that he took full advantage of.
In 21 games (20 starts), the southpaw tossed 126.1 innings and logged a 3.56 ERA, 4.24 FIP and 1.10 WHIP while striking out 100 batters. Wrobleski was especially effective prior to the All-Star break, posting a 2.52 ERA and 3.37 FIP in 15 starts while throwing 96.1 innings. This earned him a trip to the All-Star Game (the first of his career) and stabilized the Dodgers' starting staff, which remained among the best in baseball despite missing many key pieces.
However, Wrobleski has largely struggled in the second half so far. In five starts since the break, he's allowed 21 runs (20 earned) in 26.0 innings for a 6.92 ERA. Home runs have become a major problem for Wrobleski, as he allowed 11 long balls over these five games; this included four home runs in consecutive starts against the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs.
The good news for the Dodgers is that the rotation is getting healthier. Shohei Ohtani is expected to pitch again at some point this season, Tyler Glasnow is on track to return later this month and Blake Snell was recently activated from the IL. Of course, the Dodgers also added Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline, while they still have Yoshinobu Yamamoto as their principal workhorse. With all of this in mind, Wrobleski will go to the bullpen once October rolls around.
It is worth mentioning that even with his recent struggles, Wrobleski hasn't shown any signs of an injury prior to this IL stint. The hope is that his injury is nothing serious, but with the Dodgers gradually returning to full strength, Wrobleski is in no rush to fully recover.
