Dodgers' 6th Rotation Spot Up for Grabs in Spring Training

Shohei Ohtani's workload management and Blake Snell's injury uncertainty create competition for the Dodgers' final rotation spot.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to have a spring competition for their sixth starting pitcher spot, largely due to Shohei Ohtani's return to the rotation and the injury uncertainty surrounding Blake Snell. With Ohtani, Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki making up the main starters, the Dodgers will evaluate four candidates - Justin Wrobleski, Gavin Stone, River Ryan, and Kyle Hurt - to fill the sixth or even seventh starter role.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' rotation has often been plagued by injuries, making the sixth starter an important role. With Ohtani's workload needing to be managed, and Snell's health in question, the Dodgers need to identify a reliable option to step in when needed, which could prove crucial to their World Series aspirations.

The details

Justin Wrobleski is considered the favorite for the sixth starter job, as he performed well last season and has the trust of manager Dave Roberts. The other candidates, Gavin Stone, River Ryan, and Kyle Hurt, are all coming off major surgeries, which puts Wrobleski at an advantage.

  • The Dodgers' spring training competition for the sixth rotation spot will take place in 2026.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way player who will join the Dodgers' rotation from the beginning of the 2026 season, but his workload will need to be managed.

Blake Snell

A starting pitcher for the Dodgers whose injury uncertainty has created the need for a sixth starter.

Justin Wrobleski

A Dodgers pitching prospect who is considered the favorite to win the sixth starter job due to his performance last season and the trust of the team's manager.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, that is No. 6 starter. The Dodgers use a full-time six-man rotation because Shohei Ohtani needs one to manage his workload.”

— Mike Axisa, CBS Sports writer (CBS Sports)

“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 (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The Dodgers will evaluate the four candidates - Justin Wrobleski, Gavin Stone, River Ryan, and Kyle Hurt - during spring training to determine who will fill the sixth starter role.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' need for a reliable sixth starter highlights the importance of depth in a starting rotation, especially for a team with World Series aspirations. The spring competition will be crucial in identifying the best option to step in when needed, whether due to injury or workload management.