Dodgers Eyeing 25-Year-Old Lefty for Final Rotation Spot

Pitcher Justin Wrobleski projected to earn last starting job in Dodgers' six-man rotation

Feb. 23, 2026 at 5:31pm

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to fill out their starting rotation this spring, and left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski is reportedly the front-runner to earn the final spot. Wrobleski, 25, made 24 appearances for the Dodgers last season, including two starts, and is seen as the best option due to his strong performance in 2025 and the fact that he is the only candidate not returning from major surgery.

Why it matters

The Dodgers have one of the best rosters in baseball, but they are facing a unique challenge this season with a six-man rotation to accommodate Shohei Ohtani's scheduling needs. Filling out that final rotation spot is crucial, and Wrobleski could provide a left-handed option to complement the team's all right-handed starters.

The details

Wrobleski recorded a 4.32 ERA in 24 games for the Dodgers last season, with only two of those being starts. He has made just eight starts in his big-league career so far, but the Dodgers seem to trust him to handle the role on an interim basis until Blake Snell returns from injury. Other candidates for the final rotation spot include Gavin Stone, River Ryan, and Kyle Hurt, but Wrobleski is seen as the front-runner due to his strong 2025 performance and the fact that he is the only healthy option.

  • Wrobleski made 24 appearances for the Dodgers in the 2025 season.
  • The Dodgers are looking to fill out their rotation this spring training.

The players

Justin Wrobleski

A 25-year-old left-handed pitcher who is the front-runner to earn the final spot in the Dodgers' six-man rotation this spring.

Blake Snell

A Dodgers starting pitcher whose opening day status is currently jeopardized, opening up a spot in the rotation.

Shohei Ohtani

The unique scheduling needs of the two-way star have led the Dodgers to adopt a six-man rotation this season.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mike Axisa

A writer for CBS Sports who projected Wrobleski to win the final rotation spot.

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What they’re saying

“I will say Wrobleski because a) he was pretty good last year and seems to have the trust of manager Dave Roberts, and b) he's the only one of the four candidates not coming back from major surgery.”

— Mike Axisa, CBS Sports Writer

What’s next

The Dodgers will make their decision on the final rotation spot during spring training.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' decision on their final rotation spot is an important one, as they look to field a strong starting staff to complement their talented lineup. Wrobleski's left-handed arm and solid 2025 performance make him the front-runner, but the competition will be closely watched by Dodgers fans this spring.