Aug 5, 2026 7:00 PM

On Monday, Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski confronted delivery issues and a failed game plan while vowing to find consistency.

Justin Wrobleski endured another difficult outing Monday night as the Los Angeles Dodgers fell 10-5 to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The left-hander allowed seven runs on seven hits (four home runs) in 4.1 innings, marking his second consecutive rough start after also surrendering a career-high four home runs on July 28 against the Seattle Mariners. In that game, he gave up five runs on seven hits in six innings to get a no-decision in a 7-6 home loss.

Following Monday’s game, Wrobleski took full responsibility for his performance.

Speaking with reporters, including SportsNet LA, the Dodgers starter acknowledged that Chicago simply capitalized on his mistakes while making it clear he expects more from himself.

Wrobleski explained that sometimes opposing teams put together quality swings, and that was the case against the Cubs. At the same time, he stressed there were no excuses and admitted he has to pitch better than he has over his last two starts.

“Sometimes teams are going to have good swings off you, and today that happened,” Wrobleski said. “But I think there’s no excuse. I think I need to be better than I have these past two, and it’s frustrating.”

The 26-year-old also discussed the pitches that proved costly, noting there was a significant difference between this outing and the previous one.

He explained that some of the home runs from his last start came on better pitches, but admitted the pitch hit by Carson Kelly was not well executed. Overall, he said he simply did not throw the ball well enough and acknowledged his frustration with the way the past two outings have unfolded.

“I think last week some of them were better pitches than this week. The one to Kelly is not a great pitch,” Wrobleski noted. “But overall I just didn’t throw the ball well enough today, and I’ve been pretty frustrated these past two.”

A potential explanation

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested another possibility.

Roberts raised the idea that the Cubs may have identified something in Wrobleski’s delivery that allowed them to anticipate certain pitches.

The left-hander did not dismiss that theory.

Wrobleski said it was possible and added that he and the coaching staff would review the video. He also revealed the Dodgers significantly altered their game plan entering the matchup, yet Chicago still appeared prepared for several pitches.

Even so, he credited the Cubs, noting that MLB hitters are talented enough to capitalize when opportunities arise.

“It’s possible, it’s something we’re going to go look at. I changed the game plan pretty significantly today and felt like they were still on some stuff,” Wrobleski explained.

“Again, it’s baseball. They get paid a lot of money to play this game too, so they’re good players. Sometimes, you’re gonna get got. It’s a hard league to pitch in.”

The recent struggles stand out because Wrobleski had been one of the Dodgers’ biggest surprises for much of the season.

Before these last two starts, he carried a 2.62 ERA while providing valuable length and stability to a rotation dealing with numerous injuries.

Despite the difficult stretch, Wrobleski still owns an 11-3 record with a 3.31 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 117 innings across 19 appearances (18 starts). He’s recorded 91 strikeouts against 24 walks.

Wrobleski also emphasized that his focus remains on continuing to improve rather than dwelling on recent setbacks.

“I just need to continue working and getting better,” Wrobleski concluded. “The chips will fall where they’re going to.”

Wrobleski’s accountability

Wrobleski’s response reflects many of the qualities that helped him emerge as an unexpected contributor this season. He has consistently demonstrated accountability, choosing to evaluate his own performance rather than searching for external explanations. That mindset is especially valuable for young pitchers facing adversity at the highest level.

He also possesses a calm and even-keeled approach that allows him to move past disappointing outings without letting frustration carry into future starts. Throughout the season, he has shown a willingness to make adjustments while continuing to trust his abilities.

Wrobleski continues to approach his development with maturity, professionalism, and the determination to return to the level that made him one of Los Angeles’ most reliable starters this season.

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