Dodgers All-Star Justin Wrobleski dealt inevitable bullpen reality

Everyone knows the Los Angeles Dodgers feature no shortage of starting pitching depth. Injuries, however, have opened the door for pitchers such as Justin Wrobleski to receive an opportunity and break out. In fact, Wrobleski earned an All-Star selection this season. He’s made 19 starts this season (20 total appearances) and has turned in a 3.44 ERA during that span. However, Wrobleski has struggled in recent action.

The reality of the situation is that Wrobleski was destined to end up in the bullpen at some point this season regardless of his performance. His rotation stay has lasted longer than some may have expected given all of the Dodgers pitching injuries. With Tarik Skubal now on the roster alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and others, Wrobleski’s rotation spot was never locked in. And with Tyler Glasnow set to return from injury soon and Shohei Ohtani still potentially returning to the rotation later this season, Wrobleski is likely going to end up in the bullpen at some point.

“Dave Roberts said Justin Wrobleski will go to the bullpen ‘at some point in time’ with all the starters getting healthy,” Dodger Blue reported on X, formerly Twitter.

Wrobleski’s struggles in recent action may make the decision easier, but it is still surely difficult to move an All-Star starter to the bullpen. What seems like a demotion won’t be the worst thing for Wrobleski, though.

He already has recorded a career-high in innings pitched, so throwing less innings in a relief role should help his arm remain healthier. Additionally, Wrobleski could still play a crucial role out of the bullpen in the postseason.

It seems as if he will remain in the starting rotation for now, but Justin Wrobleski is expected to end up in the bullpen later this season.