Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has announced that left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski will take the mound on Tuesday, filling the rotation spot vacated by the injured Blake Snell, the two-time Cy Young Award winner. Snell was recently placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder, prompting the need for a temporary replacement in the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
While there had been earlier speculation that right-hander Landon Knack might be the starter for Tuesday’s game, particularly given his presence with the team during their White House visit, Roberts clarified the team’s decision. He explained that Wrobleski was chosen to start against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday because that aligned with his scheduled start for Triple-A Oklahoma City. This suggests a desire to maintain some semblance of the pitchers’ regular routines.
Multiple Injuries Leave Los Angeles Dodgers Looking For Pitching Answers
However, Roberts also hinted that Knack’s presence with the team is not without purpose, suggesting the possibility of the right-hander making a start on Wednesday. This indicates a potential shift from earlier speculation that the Dodgers might opt for a bullpen game on Wednesday, with Knack now appearing to be a viable option to take the ball.
Wrobleski’s most recent outing was on April 1st for Oklahoma City, where he delivered an impressive performance, allowing just three hits and no runs across 5.2 innings pitched. The 24-year-old left-hander demonstrated his potential last season, logging a 3.76 ERA across his time in both Double-A and Triple-A, while also recording an impressive 104 strikeouts in 20 appearances, 18 of which were starts.
Interestingly, Wrobleski had previously joined the Dodgers on their trip to Japan earlier this season before being optioned to Triple-A shortly thereafter. Now, less than a month later, the young southpaw finds himself with a significant opportunity, poised to make his major league debut as a starting pitcher against the Washington Nationals.