Surging Dodgers rookie could validate Andrew Friedman's trade deadline decision

At first glance, the Dodgers’ showing at this year’s trade deadline could look a little disappointing. While they made some upgrades on the margins, they missed out on some of the big names available, and, in the case of a player like Steven Kwan, sat things out entirely.

Although the deadline would have been cooler if they had made a bunch of moves and picked up a superstar, part of the reason for their lack of movement can be tied back to the team’s belief in some of the more unheralded players on their roster. 

One of those players is pitcher Justin Wrobleski, who is quietly becoming one of the most important pitchers on the roster. 

Justin Wrobleski could validate Andrew Friedman's decision to stay quiet at trade deadline

Wrobleski had the worst MLB introduction you can think of, as he allowed eight runs in five innings in a loss to the lowly Washington Nationals. And while that rough start hurt, the 25-year-old has done a great job in the time since, as he’s posted a 2.70 ERA in 40 innings. 

He’s worked in a variety of roles since, ranging from a starter (which he did once after his initial start) to a bulk man and multi-inning relief man.

He showcased that versatility his time out when he closed out the Dodgers’ win over the Rays on Friday with a three-inning scoreless save. 

He also serves as the poster boy of the Dodgers’ unconventional pitching method. He’s one of two Dodgers to have a start and a save on their ledger this year (joining Ben Casparius) and is ninth on the team in innings despite only making two “traditional” starts this year. 

But even if his usage is a bit unconventional, it seems like the Dodgers have unlocked something with him. He’s still giving them great length (six of his eight appearances out of the bullpen have been for 4+ innings), and is also proving to be a versatile weapon both as an innings-eater and shutdown option. 

While Wrobleski doesn’t have an extremely overpowering arsenal, he ranks in the 92nd percentile in ground-ball rate and 84th percentile in walk rate. 

He’ll also be extremely important as the Dodgers navigate the rest of the year. While their rotation is healthy for the first time this year, all it takes is one injury for things to unravel, as we've seen many times.

He may not be a household name, but he could end up becoming one of the most important Dodgers by the end of the season.