With Blake Snell expected to begin the season on the injured list, the Los Angeles Dodgers will have at least one opening in their starting rotation, potentially two if they opt for the six-man rotation they have considered in recent years. While Snell’s setback would weaken most teams, the Dodgers possess enough depth, especially if Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Tyler Glasnow remain healthy, allowing the club to develop promising young pitchers early in the season.
Emerging Pitchers Competing for Rotation Roles Include Several Young Arms
Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone, and River Ryan have been the primary names discussed in the battle for these rotation spots. Sheehan, coming off a strong previous season, seems almost certain to secure a position. Stone and Ryan have also been under the spotlight, though Stone recently experienced a shoulder setback following surgery in 2024, placing his chances in doubt. Ryan has impressed fans with a 1.33 ERA across his first four starts and has been a key offseason story, suggesting that he could have been a frontrunner especially if Stone faltered.
Justin Wrobleski Positions Himself as a Viable Starting Option
Despite earlier expectations that Justin Wrobleski would transition into a full-time bullpen role, the Dodgers are allowing every candidate equal opportunity during spring training. Wrobleski has approached his preparation as if he were a starter. Katie Woo of The Athletic noted,
Image of: Justin Wrobleski
“Sheehan figures to make the rotation out of camp. Wrobleski could as well, though it’s more likely he’ll be used in a hybrid role or as a sixth starter.”
This viewpoint introduces Wrobleski as more than just a reliever, highlighting him as a potential piece in the expanded rotation.
Wrobleski’s Performance and Role Flexibility Keep Him in the Mix
Wrobleski has demonstrated durability, remaining healthy throughout the 2025 season while pitching 66 2/3 innings with a 4.32 ERA across multiple stints, including starts and relief appearances in Oklahoma City. He has experience starting games, tallied two saves, and even stretched to six innings in one outing. His hybrid role—an option for both starting and relieving—makes him a flexible asset, though some fans remain skeptical of him as a full-time starter.
Spring Training Form and Dodgers’ Decision Process
So far in spring training, Wrobleski has been nearly flawless, allowing only one hit over three innings pitched. With several weeks remaining before roster decisions, the Dodgers are keeping all possibilities open and continuing to evaluate their pitching staff without ruling anyone out. This ongoing competition shows the organization’s careful approach to assembling a rotation that balances experience with emerging talent.
Implications for Dodgers’ Rotation and Future Prospects
The potential inclusion of Wrobleski in the Dodgers rotation reflects the team’s adaptability in response to injuries and their strategic use of young arms. Should he secure a rotation spot or hybrid role, it could provide the Dodgers with valuable depth and flexibility throughout the season. This situation also emphasizes the competitive nature of the pitching battle in LA and suggests that the rotation picture will remain fluid as spring training unfolds.
