Dodgers Interview: Wrobo on embracing the uncertainty of new role

LOS ANGELES — Though the Dodgers came up short in Friday night’s 6–2 loss to the Giants, one bright spot was the performance of rookie left-hander Justin Wrobleski, who delivered 4 1/3 innings of quality relief to close out the game. Entering in a tough spot, Wrobleski helped stop the bleeding and gave the Dodgers’ taxed bullpen a much-needed breather.

“I just think I was doing a good job of attacking the strike zone,” Wrobleski said postgame. “Getting ahead, just kind of mixing like I know I can and just not worrying so much about… leaving balls over the plate. It’s just like, let’s get ahead, let’s attack, and see where we’re at.”

With the Dodgers trailing and starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto exiting in the fifth after a 102-pitch effort, Wrobleski was tasked not only with stopping a rally but also conserving arms for the rest of the series. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized how important it was that the team only had to use two pitchers on the night, and Wrobleski knew what was at stake.

“It’s huge,” he said of his ability to give the team length. “Especially, you know, coming in with the runners on base and being able to get out of that for him. I know in the long run that makes a big difference.”

After escaping the inherited jam, Wrobleski turned his attention to the bigger assignment: saving the bullpen.

“Next job is save the pen,” he said. “I take pride every time I’m out there trying to do that. Regardless of if it’s as a starter or an extended reliever, that’s a big asset you can have. So I think anytime you can do that, it’s huge.”

The 23-year-old has bounced between starting and relieving in the early stages of his big-league career, and he’s becoming more comfortable in either role.

“We’ll see,” he said of his role moving forward. “I think my job is to continue to get better. I’ve made a couple mechanical adjustments and a couple things pitch-mix wise to get myself in a spot where—wherever I’m at—I can continue to help the team.”

Though one early appearance in Washington inflated his stat line (8 ER in 5.0 IP on April 8), Wrobleski is settling in, using the mantra: get ahead and let the rest take care of itself.

“Let’s get ahead, let’s work ahead of hitters, and see where we’re at from there,” he said.

With the Dodgers still navigating injuries and looking for consistency in the rotation and bullpen, opportunities abound for pitchers like Wrobleski to step up. He’s motivated to make the most of his chance.

“For me, it’s just trusting myself,” he said. “Just going out there and trusting that my stuff’s good enough to get anybody in the world out. Then just… attack. Get ahead in the count, mix, and do my thing.”

Asked to reflect on how he’s grown since his rookie debut, Wrobleski pointed to mentorship as a major factor.

“The biggest thing for me these past couple [outings] is just kind of talking to guys like Kersh and Snell and even Yama, and guys in the bullpen, just about mindset,” he said. “There’s been a lot of helpful stuff that has come from those guys. It’s been really good.”

One message in particular from Clayton Kershaw stuck with him.

“His big thing is just: don’t walk guys,” Wrobleski said. “I’m trying to do that every time out. Easier said than done, but yeah, that’s again… just attack.”

Wrobleski also expressed pride in seeing other young arms like Ben Casparius and Jack Dreyer contribute at the big-league level.

“They’re two of my buddies that I’ve come up with,” he said. “It’s been really cool to kind of see them do their thing up here. It definitely gives you confidence that you can do the same thing.”

For a night that didn’t go the Dodgers’ way overall, Wrobleski’s poise, efficiency, and mentality were silver linings—and proof that the next wave of arms might be ready to help shoulder the load.

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