Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski is looking forward to his first start of 2026 against the Toronto Blue Jays next week.
Wrobleski and the Blue Jays have history, as the benches cleared during an incident surrounding the left-hander in Game 7 of the World Series. The 25-year-old nearly hit Andres Gimenez with a pitch in the final game of the season, with the infielder appearing to throw his hand towards the pitch in an attempt to get a free base.
Gimenez wore the next pitch off of his hand before gesturing to Wrobleski, who took advantage and began walking towards home plate. The benches cleared to keep the two apart from each other, though they exchanged a few words before the incident ended.
Despite the likely hostile environment awaiting him up north, Wrobleski isn’t going to shy away from the challenge.
“It’s gonna be great,” Wrobleski said. “They’re gonna boo me and it’s gonna be really awesome. That’s what makes sports great, I think. If I were a Toronto fan, I probably wouldn’t like me either.”
The Dodgers ultimately got the last laugh in Game 7 with a historic comeback, winning their second consecutive World Series championship. Wrobleski played an integral part, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings after Shohei Ohtani exited the game in the third inning.
Has Justin Wrobleski Pitched for the Dodgers in 2026?
Wrobleski has made one appearance for the Dodgers this season after breaking camp, coming in for a long relief outing against the Cleveland Guardians in the Dodgers’ loss on Monday. He pitched four innings, allowing three runs on four hits with two strikeouts.
The southpaw also made four appearances for the Dodgers during spring training, and had a solid run of appearances. He pitched five times during the Dodgers’ preseason, and didn’t allow a run through his first three appearances. All five of the runs he allowed in spring training came against the Chicago White Sox on March 14, where he pitched 2.1 innings and had three strikeouts.
His best outing came in his final appearance of the spring, where he threw four perfect innings with five strikeouts against the Los Angeles Angels in an exhibition match.
Is Justin Wrobleski in the Dodgers Rotation?
While Wrobleski is set to start a game for the Dodgers, he isn’t a regular part of their rotation.
Wrobleski’s appearance against the Blue Jays will be a spot start, giving their other pitchers some time to recover due to a crowded schedule. Manager Dave Roberts elaborated on Wrobleski’s role with the Dodgers just before the start of the season, saying he will be available to piggyback the first time through the rotation with an expectation to make some starts as the season progresses.
Are you looking forward to the Dodgers’ World Series rematch with the Toronto Blue Jays?
