Dodgers Call Up Left-Hander Justin Wrobleski to Start Friday’s Series Opener Against Cardinals Amidst Pitching Injuries
In a move prompted by a series of injuries to their starting rotation, the Los Angeles Dodgers have called up left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski to start in the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, June 6, 2025. This decision underscores the team’s ongoing challenges with their pitching staff and highlights Wrobleski’s potential to contribute at the major league level.
Wrobleski, 24, made his MLB debut in 2024 and has since been a part of the Dodgers’ pitching roster. This season, he has appeared in two major league games, posting a 1-1 record with an 8.00 ERA. Over his brief MLB tenure, he has demonstrated resilience and the ability to adapt to the demands of big league hitters. Last season, he recorded a 1-2 record with a 5.70 ERA over eight games, including six starts, showcasing his potential as a reliable option for the Dodgers’ rotation.
The Dodgers’ decision to promote Wrobleski comes amid significant setbacks to their pitching staff. Three of their Opening Day starters—Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki—are currently sidelined due to shoulder injuries. These injuries have placed considerable strain on the team’s pitching depth, necessitating the recall of Wrobleski to fill the gap in the rotation.
In a corresponding move, right-hander Landon Knack has been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Knack, 27, has made nine appearances this season, recording a 3-2 record with a 5.12 ERA. His most recent outing against the New York Mets was challenging, as he allowed a career-high five walks and matched his career high in home runs allowed, conceding three. This performance likely influenced the decision to send him down to Triple-A for further development.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff has been under intense scrutiny due to the injuries to key starters. Snell, Glasnow, and Sasaki were expected to anchor the rotation, but their absence has forced the team to rely on less experienced pitchers. Wrobleski’s promotion is seen as an opportunity for him to prove himself at the major league level and provide the Dodgers with a much-needed boost in their pitching rotation.
Manager Dave Roberts has expressed confidence in Wrobleski’s abilities, noting his composure and work ethic. “Justin has shown great promise in his time with us,” Roberts said. “This is an opportunity for him to step up and contribute to the team.” Wrobleski’s performance in Friday’s game against the Cardinals will be closely monitored, as the Dodgers look to stabilize their pitching staff and remain competitive in the National League West.
The series opener against the Cardinals is set to take place at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The Dodgers will be looking to secure a victory to kick off the series on a positive note. Wrobleski’s performance will be pivotal in setting the tone for the rest of the series and could have significant implications for his future with the team.
As the season progresses, the Dodgers will continue to assess their pitching options and make adjustments as necessary. The hope is that Wrobleski’s recall will provide the team with a reliable arm in the rotation and help mitigate the impact of the injuries to their key starters. The team’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial to their success as they aim for a deep postseason run.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to call up left-hander Justin Wrobleski for Friday’s series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals reflects the team’s ongoing efforts to manage their pitching staff amidst a series of injuries. Wrobleski’s promotion offers him an opportunity to showcase his talents at the major league level and contribute to the team’s success. The Dodgers will be looking to him to provide stability in the rotation and help them remain competitive in the highly competitive National League West division.
