The Dodgers’ depth is already being tested.
Brock Stewart, one of the team’s younger, MLB-tested arms, will be sidelined until May.
#Dodgers RHP Brock Stewart received cortisone shot in addition to shoulder strengthening program. Looks like his season won't start til May
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 25, 2017
Stewart exhibited flashes of brilliance in 2016. He was considered a long shot to make the rotation, but possessed enough upside to warrant a spot in the competition. He garnered external interest this winter, including from the Minnesota Twins.
It’s hard to peg Stewart’s eventual role. The rotation is log-jammed, and that’s before Julio Urias is promoted. The bullpen is flexible, though Ross Stripling will likely already take on a long relief role. Alex Wood or Hyun-Jin Ryu will take another long relief spot. Scott Kazmir is largely an unknown, and his salary may prompt the team to keep Stewart in Triple-A.
[graphiq id=”kRvGyNaaDo9″ title=”Brock Stewart” width=”500″ height=”362″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/kRvGyNaaDo9″ ]
Once healthy, Stewart will probably settle in Oklahoma City. The Dodgers don’t have a logical place for him (barring injury) and the minors will give him ample playing time. If Stewart succeeds, the team can find a spot for him or dangle him as trade bait.
It’s true: One can’t have too much pitching. Stewart is another example.
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