Justin Wrobleski was an All-Star this year, but he has run into some trouble as of late.
Wrobleski has allowed 19 earned runs in his last four starts. He gave up four earned runs and two home runs on Sunday, but he came out of the game encouraged by his command and delivery. He averaged 96 mph on his fastball and also threw his fastest pitch of the season. On Sunday, the Dodgers placed him on the injured list with left forearm inflammation.
Kyle Hurt was activated to replace him, but his addition will not disrupt the Dodgers' six-man rotation. It will finally give them an extra bullpen arm to help their taxed bullpen. The team has off days on Thursday and Aug. 24. That will allow them to use Tarik Skubal, Blake Sell, Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Eric Lauer in a five-man rotation, while giving them enough rest.
After the second off day, Tyler Glasnow is expected to return. In the meantime, Hurt will give the bullpen much-needed help.
The Dodgers have the benefit of running a six-man rotation without giving up a relief arm, thanks to Shohei Ohtani not counting as a pitcher as a two-way player. However, with Ohtani sidelined from pitching, the six-man rotation puts a ton of pressure on the Dodgers' bullpen.
When Glasnow returns, he will take Wrobleski's spot in the rotation, but when Wrobleski returns, he may be bound for the bullpen. On Saturday, Dave Roberts noted that Wrobleski would eventually move to the bullpen when the starters all got healthy, referring to Ohtani and Glasnow. By the time Wrobleski is ready to return, Ohtani and Glasnow may both be back in the rotation.
Wrobleski has nearly doubled his innings total from last season and has surpassed his career-high in innings pitched, set in High-A in 2023. That could be a reason for his recent woes.