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Shoulder Issue Shelves Dodgers Reliever Brock Stewart
Dodgers Pitcher Brock Stewart Heads to Injured List Again; Cole Irvin Called Up
What Happened?
The Los Angeles Dodgers made a few roster moves on Friday before their game against the Boston Red Sox. Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Brock Stewart (a relief pitcher) was placed on the 15-day Injured List because of right shoulder discomfort.
- Cole Irvin (a left-handed pitcher) was called up from the minor leagues to take his spot.
- Chayce McDermott was removed from the 40-man roster to make room.
Who Is Brock Stewart?
Think of Stewart as a relief pitcher — a player who comes into the game later to help protect a lead or stop the other team from scoring.
- Right-handed pitcher
- 2.45 ERA this season (that’s really good — lower is better!)
- 14 games played, 1 save
- This is the third time this season he’s gone on the injured list for shoulder issues
Important Point: Manager Dave Roberts called this move "proactive" — meaning the team is being careful before things get worse. Stewart is getting imaging (like an MRI) on Saturday to check things out.
Who Is Cole Irvin?
Irvin is a left-handed starting pitcher who was playing in Triple-A (the highest level of minor league baseball) for the Oklahoma City Baseball Club.
- 9 wins, 6 losses this season in the minors
- 3.58 ERA in 20 starts
- This will be his first major league appearance since 2024
- He was expected to pitch in a "bullpen game" Friday night
What’s a "bullpen game"?
Instead of one starter pitching 5–6 innings, the team uses multiple relievers for 1–2 innings each. It’s like a tag-team effort!
What Does "Designated for Assignment" Mean?
The Dodgers had to make room on their 40-man roster (the list of players the team "owns" rights to). So they designated Chayce McDermott for assignment (DFA).
Here’s what that means in simple steps:
- McDermott is removed from the 40-man roster immediately.
- The team has 7 days to either:
- Trade him to another team
- Place him on waivers (other teams can claim him)
- Release him (he becomes a free agent)
- Send him to the minors (if he clears waivers and has options left)
It sounds harsh, but it’s a standard business move in baseball.
Why This Matters
- The Dodgers are being cautious with Stewart’s shoulder — smart for the long run.
- Irvin gives them a fresh arm who can handle multiple innings.
- The team stays flexible with their pitching depth — a key to winning over a long season.
Summary
| Player | Move | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Brock Stewart | 15-day Injured List | Right shoulder discomfort (3rd time this year) |
| Cole Irvin | Called up from Triple-A | To pitch in a bullpen game vs. Red Sox |
| Chayce McDermott | Designated for assignment | To clear a 40-man roster spot for Irvin |
The Dodgers are managing injuries carefully and using their farm system to stay competitive — classic smart baseball.
FAQ
What is the 15-day Injured List (IL)?
It’s a list where teams put players who are hurt and can’t play for at least 15 days. The player doesn’t count toward the active roster, so the team can call up a replacement.
What does ERA mean?
Earned Run Average — the average number of runs a pitcher allows per 9 innings. Lower is better. Stewart’s 2.45 is excellent.
What’s Triple-A?
It’s the highest level of minor league baseball — one step below the majors. Players there are either developing or waiting for a call-up.
Can McDermott come back to the Dodgers?
Yes — if he clears waivers (no other team claims him), the Dodgers can send him to the minors and keep him in their system.
Why use a bullpen game instead of a regular starter?
Sometimes teams do this to rest starters, manage workloads, or because they don’t have a traditional starter available. It’s a strategic choice.
