Brock Stewart Returns as Dodgers Bullpen Gets a Much-Needed Boost

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been getting beat up in more ways than one lately. Between the injuries piling up and that 12-1 shellacking on Father’s Day against Baltimore, Dave Roberts could use a break. He might get one in the form of Brock Stewart, who’s been activated off the injured list for the first time since early May.

The team announced the move on social media, saying Stewart is back and that right-hander Chayce McDermott heads back to Triple-A after a short stint in the bigs. McDermott got a cup of coffee, but now it’s Stewart’s turn to see if he can stay on the field.

A Familiar Face Returns

Stewart is joining a bullpen that’s been patched together with duct tape and hope. The Dodgers have 11 pitchers on the IL, including Blake Treinen, a Roberts favorite who’s likely out for at least the rest of the month with elbow inflammation. That’s a lot of arms missing, and the guys currently carrying the load—Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer—can only do so much.

Stewart, 34, last pitched for the Twins in 2025, when he was still with Minnesota. He put together a solid run out of their bullpen from 2023 to 2025 before the Dodgers traded for him, sending James Outman the other way. Outman was designated for assignment earlier this month, so that deal hasn’t aged great for Minnesota.

Now It’s About Health

The question with Stewart has always been whether he can stay healthy. He’s had a hard time with that at this point in his career. But if he can string together some good outings, the Dodgers bullpen suddenly looks a little deeper. Stewart could see action against the Twins pretty quickly—maybe as soon as this series. (It would be his first time facing them since he was on their side.)

Roberts hasn’t said exactly how he’ll use Stewart. But with the team in a rough patch and the NL West race tightening, every healthy arm matters. The Dodgers aren’t panicking—they’re too deep for that—but they need guys like Stewart to step up. If he can give them a few clean innings a week, that’s a win.

The bullpen is banged up and the schedule isn’t letting up. Stewart’s return is a start, but the Dodgers need more than one piece back to feel good about where they’re heading.