By starting Wednesday’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Brock Stewart became the fourth consecutive rookie to start a game for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The outing was Stewart’s fifth (fourth start) since making his Major League debut in June.
After holding the Chicago Cubs to just one run over five innings and setting a career high with eight strikeouts, the right-hander was optioned to Double-A Tulsa to clear room for Kenta Maeda to be recalled.
Stewart started one game before returning to the Dodgers after the Drillers’ season came to an end. He wasn’t particularly sharp against the Diamondbacks, but only allowed one run on five hits.
“Just battle and compete, that’s all I know how to do,” Stewart said of his night’s work. “Just keeping throwing strikes and attacking hitters. You have to believe in yourself at this level to succeed.”
Even though he wasn’t able to replicate the same success, Stewart said his start against the Cubs was a “huge confidence boost.” He also found silver lining in not turing in his best work.
“I found out today I can pitch here without my best stuff. I’m looking to keep it rolling and keep building on each outing,” Stewart said.
He became the fourth consecutive Dodgers rookie starting pitcher to earn a win. It’s the first time in franchise history that’s been accomplished, and the Dodgers are the first team in the Majors to do so since the Oakland Athletics in 2012.
Along with being part of franchise history, the win was also Stewart’s first of his career. “Thats why I play this game, to compete at this level. To get my first is definitely something I’ll never forget,” he said.
Stewart adds the accomplishment to his remarkable rise through the Dodgers’ farm system. He began the year with High-A Rancho Cucamonga, and made stops in Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to reaching the Majors.
Now the 24-year-old finds himself part of a rotation — albeit largely in name only — for a team in the thick of a pennant race. “It’s been a wild year, to be honest. I’ve been all over,” Stewart said.
“To be able to be up here and helping this team win is definitely a special feeling. That’s why I’m here. I just want to help the team win. It’s been a whirlwind this year.”
