When the Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Brock Stewart from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday it marked his fourth stint with the club this season. But this instance was different, as the right-hander joined the team to make his first Major League start of 2018.
Since climbing the organizational ladder and making his MLB debut, Stewart has often been used by the Dodgers as a swingman. He appeared in seven games (five starts) for the team in 2016, and pitched in 17 games, making four starts, with the Dodgers last season.
Stewart’s first three Major League appearances this year were out of the bullpen. He’s been optioned or recalled a combined seven times since April 29.
Included in that was getting optioned to Oklahoma City on May 8, only to rejoin the Dodgers the following day because of an injury to Tony Cingrani. While Stewart’s situation has involved more travel, it’s similar to what Ross Stripling has encountered in terms of not having a set role.
Considering he’s yet to establish himself, Stewart views each game he pitches as an opportunity to further prove himself and is happy to do so, if it comes under difficult circumstances, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“Every outing in the big leagues for me, until I’m a mainstay in the bullpen or rotation, every outing is an audition. … It’s exhausting begin everywhere but I have everything in perspective, so it’s not a huge deal. … It’s tough, for sure. It’s not ideal but like I said, someone’s got to be the guy to be here whenever the team needs help. Whether it’s in the bullpen or a starting role. I’m happy to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers, for sure. Every opportunity I get I’m going to try to make the most out of.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Stewart for how he’s handled the shuffling to and from Oklahoma City. He added Stewart pitched well enough to warrant another opportunity to start, though Roberts did not firmly commit to that.
Stewart had trouble getting ahead in counts but still limited the Rockies to two runs on five hits over four innings of work. The Dodgers are currently without three starters, but Clayton Kershaw may be closing in on a return from the disabled list, which could impact Stewart.
