Dodgers Big Trade Deadline Addition Shares Encouraging Injury Update

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The right-hander has since received a cortisone shot and a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, treatments that Stewart says have quickly taken effect. “I’ve had these shots in the past, and normally they’ve made me very tender. But I was maybe tender for 12 hours or so, and already it’s calmed down and the motion is good,” he explained. Stewart will be shut down from throwing for at least a week but is optimistic about returning before the postseason. “If I can knock it out in a few weeks and get back to help out the team leading up to the playoffs, it’s great. That’s the plan for sure.”

Manager Dave Roberts echoed Stewart’s cautious optimism but emphasized that the right-hander’s return is not imminent. “Pretty benign, wear and tear,” Roberts said. “It’s gonna be a few weeks until he returns. Best-case scenario considering the circumstances.”

Stewart’s arrival in Los Angeles was meant to bolster one of the most-used bullpens in baseball, but things have not gone according to plan. In his four appearances with the Dodgers, he gave up two earned runs and six hits across 3.2 innings, recording three strikeouts and two walks for a 4.91 ERA. Prior to joining Los Angeles, Stewart had posted a 2.63 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP across 37.2 innings, notching 44 strikeouts, 13 walks, and 16 holds.

The Dodgers’ bullpen has been further hampered by injuries to Michael Kopech, Kirby Yates, and Tanner Scott. While all four pitchers are expected to return, there is no guarantee they will perform at their peak immediately. Roberts acknowledged the impact on his roster. “Right now it’s a big blow. Obviously he’s a big part of what we’re trying to do, so to not have him available hurts.”

Despite these setbacks, there is cautious optimism that the Dodgers will regain bullpen depth by late August or early September. Stewart’s expected return could coincide with the returns of Kopech, Yates, and Scott, potentially restoring a once-formidable relief corps just in time for the playoff push.

For Stewart, the focus is on recovery and regaining his form. “Like I said, just one day at a time,” he said. With no structural damage and treatments already easing his discomfort, Stewart hopes to be back contributing to a Dodgers bullpen that will need every arm it can muster in the stretch run.