Brock Stewart was the major bullpen addition made by the Los Angeles Dodgers at this year’s trade deadline, but the acquisition has yet to pay dividends.
Stewart made just four appearances for the Dodgers before going on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. In his absence, the Dodgers’ bullpen has continued to be plagued by inconsistent performances that at one point saw the team suffer five walk-off losses over a span of 15 road games.
Meanwhile, Stewart required a second cortisone injection for his ailing shoulder. That lent to progress being made in his recovery and an expectation for Stewart to return prior to the regular season concluding.
Although he is eager to get back on the mound, Stewart also made sure to keep his focus on an adequate rehab process even if there was a need in the bullpen.
“I mean, yeah, I would love to help the team right now. I don’t know if it’s pressure. I still have to focus on myself, because I’m not out of the woods yet,” Stewart recently said.
“You know, I got to continue to build up with the rehab program that they’re putting together for me, got to continue to build up throwing. So no, I mean, I’m still at the point of taking it one day at a time.
“And honestly, when I’m healthy and active, it’s still everything’s one day at a time, one pitch at a time, so I’m not putting any pressure on myself, and I don’t think anybody else is.
“It is what it is, relievers get hurt. I’ve been hurt before for sure, it’s just part of it. Just got to continue to keep working.”
While the Dodgers wait on Stewart’s return, manager Dave Roberts is trying to put together a competent bullpen by evaluating and reconfiguring the options he currently has available.
Brock Stewart’s rehab assignment
Stewart began what’s expected to be a quick rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City as he pitched one scoreless inning on Tuesday. Stewart gave up a double and walked a batter in his appearance. He threw 19 pitches, eight of which were strikes.
Stewart is next scheduled to appear in a game for the Comets on Thursday and that may be followed by a return to the Dodgers this weekend.
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