High-Leverage Dodgers Reliever to Have Shoulder Surgery; Out for Season

Brock Stewart Will Miss Rest of Season After Shoulder Surgery

Much-Needed Relief

Since Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol have been sidelined this season, the Dodgers have struggled to find dependable arms out of the bullpen lately, specifically from the right side. Michael Kopech and Kirby Yates have not been effective after spending considerable time on the injured list.  Unfortunately, Blake Treinen has similar struggles as well.  Each right-hander has struggled with command and a high walk rate.

Oft-Injured Arm

Stewart was acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline for outfielder James Outman in hopes that he could be the high-leverage reliever out of the bullpen. Once a promising starter in the Dodgers organization, he was eventually traded and transformed into a right-handed specialist. The only problem is that he has a hard time staying healthy. Stewart has already thrown more innings this year than any other since becoming a reliever. Shortly after putting on a Dodger uniform again, he was sidelined with a cranky shoulder. Stewart has since received a cortisone shot and is rehabbing at Triple-A Oklahoma City without pain.

Lights Out

Los Angeles could use someone who can get three outs in the late innings, and they could certainly covet a right arm that has a sub-3.00 ERA. They have had double-digit games, including last Sunday, in which the bullpen has blown late leads. This trend is not worth replicating in the postseason. It now looks like Los Angeles will be relying on Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan to get crucial outs in the postseason. Once again, the Dodgers will be betting on their depth in October.