UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers face a mounting crisis as pitcher Brock Stewart has been placed on the injured list due to “a little bit of shoulder inflammation,” as confirmed by manager Dave Roberts earlier today in Anaheim, California.
This development is particularly concerning for a Dodgers bullpen already stretched thin, now without Stewart, the team’s sole bullpen acquisition before the trade deadline. Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “We caught it at the very front end,” and emphasized that further tests are scheduled for August 12, 2025.
Stewart joins five other key relievers on the injured list, including Evan Phillips, who is out for the season due to Tommy John surgery. The remaining pitchers — Brusdar Graterol, Michael Kopech, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates — are also sidelined but are expected to return soon, providing a glimmer of hope for a team struggling with a 15-19 record since July.
As the Dodgers look to maintain their slim lead in the division, the urgency intensifies. Friedman believes that if they can qualify for the postseason, they will have “arguably our most talented pitching staff that we’ve ever had.” But first, they must navigate the remaining weeks of the regular season.
Stewart, who has faced just 20 batters since joining the Dodgers from the Minnesota Twins on July 31, has had a rocky start, allowing nine of those batters to reach base. His performance raises concerns as the organization seeks to stabilize its bullpen amid fierce competition, particularly with division rivals like the San Diego Padres making significant moves, including the recent acquisition of star closer Mason Miller.
Friedman acknowledged the challenges of making trades, stating, “We feel good about the work we put in and the group that we have.” He highlighted the balance required in trade negotiations, indicating that while the front office explored various options, they ultimately opted not to pursue certain deals due to uncomfortable asking prices.
In another setback for the team, Friedman revealed that Tony Gonsolin has undergone an internal brace procedure, effectively ending his season after only seven starts. However, the rotation remains solid, featuring pitchers like Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow as potential postseason stars.
The Dodgers are also grappling with an underperforming offense, which has surprisingly ranked among the league’s bottom five in runs per game since July. Friedman remains confident, stating, “I’m not worried about our pitching.” He believes that once the team stabilizes, the bullpen will emerge as a strength, despite recent frustrations.
What happens next is crucial. As the Dodgers prepare for a pivotal game against the Angels, all eyes will be on the results of Stewart’s tests and the impending returns of key relievers. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Dodgers can weather this storm and reclaim their dominance in the division.
