The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the 2016 season with plenty of pitching depth without taking into account Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu, who both were recovering from respective season-ending surgeries in 2015.
McCarthy and Ryu eventually managed to take the mound but both struggled to remain healthy, which was a prevailing theme for the Dodgers last year — particularly with the pitching staff. Los Angeles used 31 pitchers and 55 players overall last season, both of which tied franchise-high marks.
While Julio Urias made his expected arrival and Jose De Leon accelerated his timeline, one surprise was Brock Stewart making his MLB debut.
The right-hander began the season with High-A Rancho Cucamonga, and made starts for Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to joining the Dodgers.
After gaining some experience in the Majors, Stewart told David Vassegh on Dodger Talk on AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio he’s looking forward to experience big league camp during Spring Training:
“It’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to big league camp. Didn’t get the chance to go last year, so this year I’m looking forward to that, and I’m definitely working hard right now to be ready for it. It’s just going to be fun and exciting.”
Stewart added being part of big league camp will serve as a confidence booster. Of course, there’s a probability that doesn’t come with the Dodgers, as the 25-year-old has been the subject of trade rumors.
Considering the Minnesota Twins’ reported desire to receive more than De Leon in exchange for Brian Dozier, it’s plausible Stewart gets packaged in a trade; the Twins were said to have him on their radar.
Stewart went 2-2 with a 5.79 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 28 innings in seven games (five starts) with the Dodgers. He was a combined 9-4 with a 1.79 ERA in 21 Minor League outings, including 4-0 with a 2.49 ERA in nine starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
