Justin Wrobleski strikes out four in MLB debut with Dodgers

LOS ANGELES — When the Dodgers left spring training in March, left-hander Justin Wrobleski reported to Double-A Tulsa, ready to prove he could compete in the upper minor leagues and hopefully reach the major leagues as early as the 2024 season.

Since then, Wrobleski, the Dodgers’ No. 14 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, has emerged as one of the most promising players in the minor leagues. His whirlwind season culminated Sunday when Wrobleski made his major league debut, allowing four runs in five innings in the Dodgers’ 9-2 loss to the Brewers at Dodger Stadium.

“I felt good,” Wrobleski said. “It was just being grateful for the moment. That’s kind of the main theme, I was on my way here today and I was like, ‘I’m really grateful for this opportunity. At this point, you’re already here. Let’s go.’ I had a lot of fun.”

The afternoon started off in a dream fashion for Wrobleski, who struck out Jackson Chourio on the first pitch he threw in the major leagues. His first strikeout came in the second inning against Brewers star shortstop Willy Adames. Wrobleski allowed just one hit in his first attempt, but that was quickly erased by a double play by Vinny Capra in the third.

In the fourth inning, however, Wrobleski began to struggle. Two batters after walking Chourio to start the inning, the left-hander was sent deep by All-Star Christian Yelich on a slider that hit too far into the zone. In the fifth, Wrobleski then allowed another two-run home run to backup catcher Eric Haase.

“He’s really confident as a person, as a baseball player,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I’m really, really impressed with the way he carries himself, the way he handled himself today. He didn’t get too emotional. I know his talents are recognized here.”

While the final results weren’t the best for Wrobleski, the 23-year-old showed signs of becoming one of the organization’s top pitchers. He had a 60 mph fastball, with his most powerful pitch of the afternoon a 97.8 mph four-seamer. Wrobleski pairs that with a cutter, slider and changeup, making him a threat against lefties and righties alike.

“I think this kid is special,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “I don’t know if he’s their top prospect or one of their top prospects, but I think this kid is good. He’s got good balance, good touch, holds runners really well. He’s going to get better and better. If he stays with the Dodgers, he’s going to pitch a really long time.”

Despite Wrobleski’s success in the minor leagues this season, his major league opportunity came much sooner than expected. With the Dodgers missing Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and eager to give their starters an extra day of rest between starts, Los Angeles needed an extra starter for a turn in the rotation.

Roberts said Wrobleski would be sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma City, but added the left-hander would get another opportunity at some point later in the season.

Starting pitchers will be a major need for the Dodgers over the next three weeks before the July 30 trade deadline. But between now and then, pitchers like Wrobleski will have a chance to prove they belong.

“The first time I went there, I wanted to make sure I got a good feel for the atmosphere,” Wrobleski said, “and go see the stadium, and think, ‘Okay, there’s four floors up there. That’s pretty cool.’ It’s a great stadium, I love it here. But then it was time to get to work.”

“Be grateful for it, then get to work.”