Getting built up as a starter to provide flexibility for a Dodgers pitching staff that thrives in its depth, Justin Wrobleski made his second appearance and first start this spring training against the Cubs in a split-squad day. One of the more experienced and battle-tested of the Dodgers’ young options, Wrobleski was very efficient in two scoreless innings of work against a Cubs lineup built entirely of right-handed options.
Interestingly, usually a pitcher with a pretty even split of four-seamers
and sinkers, Wrobleski shelved the sinker and only tossed four-seamers when he went fastball against the Cubs, according to Baseball Savant. That’s partially due to the fact that Wrobleski saw no lefties, for whom he normally reserves most of his sinkers, but it’s still something to keep an eye on.
Edwin Diaz and Tanner Scott, the two primary pieces of the Dodgers’ bullpen, followed Wrobleski—even though it was Díaz who ran into some trouble, losing his command with a couple of walks, Scott’s scoreless frame of work brings a bit more concern, inducing only a single whiff on eight swing attempts against a Cubs team missing all of its primary hitters.
The efficiency that was present in Wrobleski’s performance was what Jackson Ferris lacked against the Texas Rangers in the other game, albeit facing a more talented lineup, including the likes of Wyatt Langford and Joc Pederson. Ferris needed 37 pitches to get the five outs and was ultimately pulled without being able to complete the second inning.
Some things there’s no rushing, including the opportunities of Dalton Rushing himself. The Dodgers’ most effective hitter on this split-squad day, Rushing, hit a two-run homer against the youngster Jack Leiter. Too good for a backup catching role or to return to the minors come Opening Day—without an opportunity available elsewhere in the lineup—Rushing is doing what he can, which is utilizing this spring to showcase his skill set. This home run was Rushing’s first extra-base hit in spring. Sadly, postseason-legend Will Klein ran into some issues late against the Cubs, blowing a lead Los Angeles had acquired due to another two-run shot, this one by Nic Senzel. In the end, Los Angeles dropped both games, losing 7-6 to the Rangers and 6-2 to the Cubs.
Next up, the Dodgers will take on the Angels on Sunday, with Landon Knack making his second appearance of spring against the left-hander Reid Detmers.
