The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled right-hander Brock Stewart ahead of Tuesday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies and optioned switch-pitcher Pat Venditte back to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Stewart, who has been back and forth between Triple-A Oklahoma City and the big leagues for almost the entire season, will make his first Major League start of the season in the second game of the series against. He will be opposed by Rockies right-hander Chad Bettis.
In three relief appearances so far this season, Stewart has given up five hits and two runs in 5.2 innings (3.18 ERA) while striking out five compared to three walks.
He has been utilized as a starter by Oklahoma City, going 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in five starts. In 21.2 innings, Stewart has 22 strikeouts against eight walks.
Like Stewart, Venditte has spent a lot of time in recent weeks flying back and forth between Los Angeles and Oklahoma City. Overall, he has made three appearances at the Major League level, giving up three hits and two runs in 2.2 innings. That adds up to a 6.75 ERA, 6.50 FIP and 1.13 WHIP with two strikes compared to zero walks.
He has proven to be very good at the Minor League level, yielding a 1.53 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 15 appearances with Oklahoma City.
With Rich Hill going on the disabled list, that opened up a spot in the rotation for Stewart. Depending on how he pitches Tuesday night, Stewart could either remain with the team in the starting rotation or be sent back to Oklahoma City in favor of another reliever or starter.
