Few in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization have been shuttled between Triple-A and the Major Leagues as much as Brock Stewart in recent years.
As a pitcher who can both start games and come out of the bullpen, Stewart has been called upon to do both for the Dodgers. However, he has struggled to succeed when given the chance, which has lent to the only consistency being an inconsistent role with the organization.
Stewart owns a 4.84 ERA and 5.50 FIP over 80 career big league innings. He has pitched in 33 games with the Dodgers, starting 11 of them.
An obscure rule means he still has a fourth option year remaining, which means he could face another season of shuttling back and forth between Los Angeles and Oklahoma City.
It is not what Stewart would prefer, but he is still happy to be a part of the Dodgers, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
“I mean, I was looking forward to being more stable, for sure,” Stewart said. “Then I step back and think about how grateful and blessed I am to be pitching for the Dodgers organization and be competing for a championship every year. “I definitely wouldn’t rather be in any other organization. I get that some guys have to do what I’ve done the past three years, and if I have to do it for another year, I’m gonna do it. I’m not going to say I love it, but I’ll do it.”
The constant trips back and forth have proven difficult for Stewart at times. There was a whirlwind last season when he was optioned and recalled, and required to pitch in the Mexico Series.
Ironically enough, Stewart pitched a scoreless eighth inning in a game he just arrived in time for. He was optioned back to Triple-A the following day.
Though it presents its challenges, Stewart’s willingness to contribute wherever he is needed gives the Dodgers another important piece of depth to rely on in 2019.
