One of the biggest surprises in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization last season was 2014 sixth-round draft pick Brock Stewart, who began the year with High-A Rancho Cucamonga. Stewart pitched his way through the Minors before making his MLB debut June 29, 2016.
Stewart participated in his first big league camp this spring, and while the chances of him making the Dodgers roster on Opening Day were slim, he was battling for one of the final spots in the starting rotation. However, he was grounded before ever truly getting going.
Stewart was shut down with shoulder tendinitis, and wasn’t projected to possibly return until late April. However, he received a cortisone injection in the right shoulder, which pushed back any rough timeline.
Thus, Triple-A Oklahoma City began their season on Thursday, without Stewart on their roster. He was one of six Dodgers to begin the year on the disabled list.
“There was inflammation, so he’s doing strengthening exercises,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said this week. “I know he’s picked up a baseball, and last I heard a couple days ago, he was out to about 75 feet. He’s still a ways away.”
Stewart pitched in seven games (five starts) for the Dodgers last season. In 28 innings of work he yielded a 5.79 ERA, 5.90 FIP and 1.61 WHIP. He had a lot more success in the Minors, though, as in 21 starts with the Quakes, Double-A Tulsa and Oklahoma City, he went 9-4 with a 1.79 ERA and 0.88 WHIP.
When he returns from the injury the 25-year-old will provide the Dodgers the pitching depth that was so important in 2016. He will likely begin his season with Oklahoma City after completing a rehab assignment.
