In a shocking turn of events, the Los Angeles Dodgers have placed reliever Brock Stewart on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, raising alarms just as the postseason looms. Stewart, who was brought in to bolster a beleaguered bullpen, began experiencing discomfort during the recent series against the St. Louis Cardinals, and an MRI confirmed the troubling diagnosis.

This unexpected setback comes at a critical time for the Dodgers, who are heavily reliant on a robust bullpen to navigate the high-stakes atmosphere of October baseball. Stewart, who has only made four appearances with a less-than-ideal 4.91 ERA, now faces a minimum of a week off the mound, with manager Dave Roberts expressing cautious optimism about his return. “It’s the best-case scenario, but we’re not expecting him back anytime soon,” Roberts stated, highlighting the unpredictability of injuries in baseball.

Stewart himself remains hopeful, stating, “If I can win in a few weeks and come back to help the team get to the playoffs, that’ll be great. That’s the plan for sure.” However, the reality is stark; he joins fellow relievers Michael Copic, Kirby Yates, and Tanner Scott on the injured list, leaving the Dodgers’ pitching depth severely tested.

As the team gears up for the postseason, the stakes have never been higher. With key arms sidelined, the Dodgers must rally to maintain their competitive edge. Fans are left anxiously wondering: can Stewart recover in time to make a significant impact? The clock is ticking, and every game counts as the Dodgers fight for a championship run. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.