Dodgers' Dave Roberts Makes Justin Wrobleski Decision

Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

Dodgers' Dave Roberts Makes Justin Wrobleski Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jul 22, 2026 11:02 AM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers stuck to their plan for rookie left-hander Justin Wrobleski on Tuesday night, lifting him after 6 1/3 innings and 89 pitches in a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The move came despite Wrobleski allowing just one run while striking out seven, as manager Dave Roberts prioritized the rookie's long-term workload.

Before the game, Roberts said the Dodgers had "got to be mindful of the workload" for Wrobleski after he reached a new career high in innings. That made pulling him after 89 pitches the right call, prioritizing the rookie's health over pushing him deeper into the game.

Through 6 1/3 innings, Wrobleski limited Philadelphia's lineup to one run while continuing one of the best stretches of his young career. The 26-year-old improved to 11-2 with a 2.62 ERA across 17 appearances (16 starts), adding seven strikeouts before turning the game over to the bullpen.

FWIW, Dave Roberts said pregame the Dodgers "got to be mindful of the workload" for Wrobleski the rest of this season (after tonight, he is already at a new career-high for IP in a season, majors or minors)

Cutting him off at 89 pitches right there might be an example of that https://t.co/ozGVpyzeOx
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) July 22, 2026

Tuesday's outing also pushed Wrobleski to a new career high in innings pitched, reinforcing Roberts' pregame comments about managing his workload. Even with the rookie in control, the Dodgers stuck to their plan and turned the game over to the bullpen.

Earlier this month, Wrobleski also avoided the injured list after taking a comebacker off his right hamstring, allowing him to remain in the Dodgers' rotation. Tuesday's outing showed the club remains focused on preserving his health after a significant increase in innings.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

The victory improved the Dodgers to 64-38, extending their lead atop the National League West. Meanwhile, the Phillies fell to 56-46, leaving them three games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East.

For Los Angeles, protecting Wrobleski has become as important as winning individual games. With several starters already sidelined, the Dodgers are counting on the rookie to remain a key part of the rotation heading into the stretch run.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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