The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Brock Stewart from Triple-A Oklahoma City under the expectation of utilizing him as a long reliever in Sunday’s series finale against the Cincinnati Reds. But multiple plane delays intervened, and Stewart never appeared.
It was another bump in a season that’s been anything but smooth sailing for the right-hander. Stewart suffered from tendinitis in his throwing shoulder and saw his Spring Training cut short. He began the season on the 10-day disabled list.
Stewart wasn’t activated from the 60-day DL until June 8. He appeared in one game with OKC after that point.
Coinciding with the Dodgers recalling the 25-year-old to put him in the bullpen, the club intends to use Stewart as a long reliever this season, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
Brock Stewart role this season for #Dodgers will be in long relief. Long term they still view him as a starting pitcher.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) June 18, 2017
Stewart shot up the Minor League ladder last season, pitching for High-A Rancho Cucamonga, Double-A Tulsa and Oklahoma City prior to joining the Dodgers for his MLB debut. Stewart exclusively worked as a starter with each affiliate.
But after making consecutive starts for the Dodgers, he split time in the rotation and pitching out of the bullpen. Overall, Stewart went 2-2 with a 5.79 ERA, 5.90 FIP and 1.61 WHIP in seven games (five starts).
The temporary change in role is due to Stewart’s abridged Spring Training and the Dodgers having a surplus of starting pitchers on their active roster.
