The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t get to see much of Brock Stewart after acquiring him at the 2025 trade deadline from the Minnesota Twins. The right-hander made four appearances before a landing on the injured list with right shoulder trouble.
This led to a prolonged rehab process as Stewart tried to return to the active roster in time to help a struggling Dodgers bullpen for the playoffs. It never panned out, with the Dodgers deciding it was in Stewart’s best interest to be shut down for the season and undergo corrective surgery on his right shoulder.
Stewart has dealt with significant injuries dating back to the Tommy John surgery procedure he underwent in 2021.
Stewart believes that adding a significant amount of fastball velocity in a condensed amount of time put a lot of strain on his arm, according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
“At 29 years old, I gained 5 mph in two months, so that sudden jump? I’m sure that’s what led to my elbow breaking down,” Stewart said.
“Do I know that for a fact? No. I don’t think anybody does. But I think you’d be silly to say the added velocity doesn’t play a big part.”
Going off what Stewart said, his increase in velocity lines up with the Tommy John surgery he eventually had in 2021. Since then, he has also dealt with right elbow soreness again in 2023, right shoulder tendentious and a right shoulder strain in 2024, and right shoulder inflammation last season.
Given the extensive injury history his throwing arm has experienced in a short amount of time, it makes sense as to why the Dodgers did not risk pushing his rehab any further in 2025.
The organization has not had the best track record lately when it comes to keeping pitchers healthy, so hopefully they are able to develop a routine to better preserve his health over the course of a season.
Brock Stewart expected to pitch majority of 2026
Stewart will be a part of the Dodgers’ plans next season as soon as he is healthy, with Gomes projecting that he will be available for a majority of 2026.
His return will be later into the season, but Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes doesn’t expect it to linger too deep into the season.
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