The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to activate high-leverage reliever Brock Stewart, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that the move could happen as soon as Monday. The last hurdle for Stewart was appearing in back-to-back outings on his rehab assignment, which he did last night and reported no issues.
Dave Roberts said the Dodgers plan to activate Brock Stewart on Monday, if all goes well. Lines up with his return to Minnesota.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) June 20, 2026
Is the Second Time the Charm?
Stewart has had a hard time staying healthy on his second tour of duty as a Dodger. Los Angeles acquired the right-hander from the Minnesota Twins at the Trade Deadline last season. He had a few effective appearances before a shoulder injury put him on the Injured List. The shoulder required surgery, ending Stewart’s season prematurely. The recovery time would eventually bleed into 2026. When Stewart was activated, he made a few clean outings before a bone spur in his heel sidelined him again this year.
Back Where It All Began
The right-hander began his professional career in the Dodgers organization. He was inserted into the starting rotation with mixed results. When he joined the Twins, Stewart was converted to a reliever, and the trajectory of his career changed. The shorter outings allowed the right-hander to throw harder, which increased the possibility of “swing and miss.” When he added a sweeper, a high-level reliever was born. The change to shorter outings has shaved more than three runs off his Earned Run Average. As a result, Stewart caught the eye of several teams who were searching for reliable relief last season.
Ironically, the first team that the veteran will be eligible to face is the Twins.
The Burning Question
Once the right-hander transferred to the bullpen, the question wasn’t if he could be effective. Rather, it seems to be, can Stewart stay healthy? He has been sidelined almost every year with one ailment or another. Stewart and the Dodgers are hoping his injuries are in the rearview mirror, at least for this season. Los Angeles needs some relief in the bullpen. Will Klein, Edgardo Henriquez, and Blake Treinen have all struggled to get outs this season.
The Dodgers need someone they can trust to induce outs more consistently as they enter the second half of the season.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
