The Los Angeles Dodgers have recalled right-hander Brock Stewart and placed ace Clayton Kershaw on the 10-day disabled list with a lower back strain ahead of Friday night’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies.
Kershaw was just activated off the disabled list on Thursday coming off bicep tendonitis, but he was forced to leave his start against the Philadelphia Phillies after five innings due to his back tightening up.
He compared the back issue to the one he went through in 2017, which caused him to miss over a month so the Dodgers could be without their ace for an extended period of time. He said that it is not as severe as his herniated disc in 2016 though, which is a positive sign.
Kershaw underwent an MRI on Friday, although the results of it and how long he will be out have yet to be released.
Stewart has been back and forth between the big leagues and Triple-A Oklahoma City five times already this season, so he is used to going back and forth.
In five games (two starts) at the Major League level so far this season, Stewart has posted a 4.61 ERA, 5.89 FIP and 1.54 WHIP while striking out 11 compared to six walks in 13.2 innings. He got the start last Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies and gave up five hits and four runs in four innings
Stewart has also made five starts this season for Oklahoma City, yielding a 2.08 ERA and 1.11 WHIP while striking out 22 and walking eight over 21.1 innings pitched.
With the Dodgers rotation currently having a lot of question marks surrounding them, having someone like Stewart who can both start and pitch out of the bullpen has been a big asset so far this season.
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