Dodgers Shockingly Leave 2026 All-Star Starter Off of NLDS Roster

The Los Angeles Dodgers made an unexpected choice for their National League Division Series roster, omitting All-Star lefty Justin Wrobleski. Wrobleski, who earned a spot in the All-Star Game in July following a strong first half of the season, had a 3.66 ERA across 28 appearances. Prior to the break, he recorded a 2.69 ERA and was one of the team's most crucial pitchers.

However, his performance deteriorated after the break, with a 6.13 ERA in his final 12 appearances and a forearm injury that forced him onto the injured list in mid-August. Last year, Wrobleski had a stellar postseason, holding opponents scoreless across four appearances spanning five innings. The Dodgers included several members of their 2026 rotation on the NLDS roster, but only a select few will be starting during the series.

Tarik Skubal, acquired from the Detroit Tigers during the trade deadline, makes his first postseason start at home in Game 1, while Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young winner, begins Game 2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki also make the roster, though Glasnow is more likely to start than Sasaki. Although the Dodgers could have utilized the left-handed Wrobleski in long relief, they have other options to cover that position.

All-Star lefty Kris Bubic, also acquired at the deadline, can handle that role, and Sasaki can step in for bulk relief if necessary. The Dodgers' pitching staff is the strongest it has been in recent years, so Wrobleski's absence is not as surprising as it might have been in previous seasons. With their impressive lineup, the Dodgers aim to sweep the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS and secure their third consecutive World Series championship, which would be the first three-peat in National League history.