On August 31st, the Los Angeles Dodgers got an update on relief pitcher Brock Stewart's recovery, and it looks like his return will have to wait a bit longer. Stewart, who came back to LA from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline in exchange for James Allman, only managed four games with the Dodgers before shoulder inflammation put him on the injured list back on August 12th. Stewart started throwing again last week, but had some discomfort, so he got another cortisone injection, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. The good news is, Stewart's already resumed his throwing program, but there's still no exact date for when he'll be back on the mound.
Roberts emphasized that they're staying hopeful he can return sometime in September. Since rejoining the Dodgers, Stewart's numbers haven't really stood out, with a 4.91 ERA in just three strikeouts over three and two-thirds innings. Still, it's worth mentioning just how solid he was earlier with Minnesota, putting up a 2.38 ERA in 41 strikeouts in 34 innings. Stewart actually started his big league career in LA from 2016 to 2019, before bouncing around a bit and having a breakout year with the Twins.
Right now, the Dodgers aren't feeling as much pressure to rush him back, since a few key bullpen arms like Blake Trinan, Kirby Yates, and Tanner Scott have recently returned from injuries themselves. Michael Kolpach is also expected back soon, which helps ease some of that need for extra relief pitching. Stewart's return would be a bonus, but the team can focus on making sure he's completely ready, rather than forcing a quick comeback. The Dodgers are still sitting comfortably at the top of the National League West, ahead of the San Diego Padres.
Even though they just dropped a series to the Arizona Diamondbacks, there's some breathing room as they get ready for a three-game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates. That series kicks off Tuesday afternoon, so fans will be watching both the games and Stewart's recovery closely in the weeks ahead.