Brock Stewart a Brilliant Discovery

Brock Stewart throwing a pitch for the Minnesota Twins

Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

June 29, 2023

.Brock Stewart — a brilliant discovery by the Minnesota Twins front office and Manager Rocco Baldelli, who believed in him — is having a good year. The team is now reaping the success he is having as a reliever for this team.

Just put on the IL

However, on Tuesday, the Twins placed him on the 15-day IL. They have reported Stewart had some elbow soreness and will have tests to confirm the diagnosis. Hopefully this only keeps him out a short time since he has been a significant part of their bullpen, and they need him.

Consistent so Far

Stewart has been consistent and reliable when he gets called upon late in games to hold the lead. He has pitched 25 2/3 innings, won two games with 35 strikeouts and seven holds, and is holding a 0.70 ERA. He did not give up an earned run during his first 14 appearances—and thus far has given up just two this season. Stewart is currently ranked first in the Sport Relay latest scoreless outings.

Interesting Story

Stewart’s story is a curious one. Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014, he was both a starter and reliever through his minor-league career. In 2016, he was 9-4 with a 1.79 ERA when he was called up to the big leagues for his debut. He started five games and finished with a 5.79 ERA. His biggest issue was the home run ball, giving up seven in 28 innings pitched.

Inconsistency with his pitching and command sent him to the Toronto Blue Jays with hopes that a change of scenery would help him. He did go 4-0 in 21 2/3 innings but had an 8.31 ERA. Once again, the home run ball haunted him, as he gave up nine.

Out of Baseball

Brock Stewart was out of baseball for two years. He was released from the Blue Jays October 2019 and was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 2019 Rule 5 draft. However, he did not play in a game in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic-caused cancellation of the minor league season and was released. Stewart ended up back in the Dodgers organization in 2021; however, he injured his arm and had Tommy John surgery.

Signs with the Twins

The Twins signed him last July and, after getting in game shape, he made his organizational debut in late August, working two innings in the Complex League. He eventually finished the season at Triple-A and was invited to Spring Training 2023.

Called Up

Brock Stewart did not make the big-league team when spring training ended. He began the season with Triple-A St. Paul. In 8 2/3 innings over seven games, he struck out 17 with an ERA of 2.08. He was called up on April 25 and appeared in his first major league game with the Twins on April 27.

Invaluable

Since then, he has been one of the more successful relievers. All of this has led to him becoming an invaluable part of the Twins late-game plan. The front office and scouting department deserve recognition for finding Stewart and taking a chance with him. His injury has given them pause, but the Twins are hoping for a positive outcome.

They’d like to see him back in action as soon as he’s physically fit and able. All concerned want this to be a short interruption to Stewart’s season. This team is battling for the AL Central title and needs and wants him healthy and ready for post-season action.