Former Twins pitcher Brock Stewart already on injured list after being traded to Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed right-handed reliever Brock Stewart on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation on Tuesday, according to the Dodgers' transaction log. Stewart, whom the Twins traded to the Dodgers in exchange for outfielder James Outman on July 31, made just four relief appearances (4.91 ERA with three strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings pitched) with Los Angeles this season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed reporters that there is no structural damage in Stewart's shoulder, according to the Los Angeles Times' Jack Harris. Stewart received an injection and will be sidelined through next week, but he is expected to return within the next few weeks.
Stewart, 33, had a 2.38 ERA with 41 strikeouts and 11 walks across 34 innings with the Twins this season before becoming one of the 10 players on the active roster to be moved ahead of the trade deadline. Stewart, who is under team control through the 2027 season, began the season on the injured list with a hamstring strain.
Stewart began his MLB career with the Dodgers (2016-19), but injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential with Los Angeles. He pitched in 10 games with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019 after they claimed him off waivers from Los Angeles. He then spent some time in the Cubs' minor league system and another brief stint in the Dodgers' system before landing with the Twins in 2022, where he finally flourished.
The Dodgers needed bullpen help at the deadline, and their front office believes that Stewart will help them win close games. Utilizing a fastball that averages 96 miles per hour along with a sweeper, sinker, cutter and a changeup, Stewart has been able to be successful in recent years with the Twins. In three seasons with Minnesota, Stewart, although he still battled various injuries, managed a 2.33 ERA with 100 strikeouts and 30 walks in 77 1/3 innings pitched.
Checking in on outfielder James Outman, whom the Twins acquired for now-injured reliever Brock Stewart
After trading for Outman, 28, the Twins demoted him to Triple-A St. Paul. In 41 at-bats over 10 games with the Saints, Outman has slashed .195/.283/.439 with two home runs. The former Dodgers outfielder had an outstanding rookie season in 2023 (3.4 bWAR), but has since struggled to stick around in the major leagues. Additionally, he is known to be a great defensive outfielder.