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Dodgers News: Walker Buehler, Brock Stewart Appear Likely Candidates For Spot Start

Matthew Moreno
2 Min Read
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers erred on the side of caution earlier this week and placed Rich Hill on the 10-day disabled list because of inflammation in his left middle finger. The trouble is not related to chronic blisters that have dogged Hill, but instead a cracked fingernail.

He voiced some frustration in being put on the DL and on Friday deemed himself capable of starting. Hill was scheduled to take the ball in the series opener against the Washington Nationals.

With the veteran southpaw on the shelf until at least Wednesday, the Dodgers simply used the off day to move their rotation up. However, that did not apply to Kenta Maeda, who is receiving an extra day of rest before his next start.

As a result, the team is in need of a spot starter for Monday’s series opener against the Miami Marlins.

A formal announcement has not been made, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did rule out Wilmer Font, Ross Stripling and other plausible options from the bullpen, per Dodger Insider:

Roberts’ comments suggest the team will turn to calling up top prospect Walker Buehler or Brock Stewart from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Buehler is listed as the probable for OKC’s game on Sunday afternoon.

Manny Bañuelos, who is penciled to start Monday for the Dodgers’ top affiliate, could be another candidate to instead pitch in a Major League game. However, unlike Buehler and Stewart, the southpaw is not on the 40-man roster.

Stewart last pitched Wednesday, when he allowed two runs in 5.2 innings. Stewart is 2-2 with a 4.48 ERA in 24 games (nine starts) over parts of two seasons with the Dodgers. Buehler went 1-0 with a 7.71 ERA in eight games as a call-up last season. He’s yet to make an MLB start.

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com