Dodgers: Pitching Prospects to Keep an Eye On in 2017

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Aug 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Brock Stewart (51) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Brock Stewart

Fans got a taste of Brock Stewart last year, as he threw close to 30 innings for the MLB club, but he has still retained his rookie status heading into 2017. The 25-year-old is currently sidelined with shoulder inflammation, a tricky injury just because no one can really set a timetable for it and some just heal faster than others. Even with the sore wing, Stewart has a chance of making more noise at the highest level this year if he can get back on track.

Stewart burst onto the scene last season after making his way from High-A Rancho all the way to Los Angeles. In over 120 minor league innings, Stewart posted a 1.79 ERA with a cool 0.88 WHIP to go along with it.

He will sit consistently from 92-95 with a medley of worthy speed pitches to match, the changeup being the best of the bunch. Stewart’s command of the strike zone with the fastball, and his ability to make that fastball cut, sink, and run give him some real value for the 2017 Dodgers.

Once the shoulder issue is taken care of, Stewart will probably start the season in AAA. If he can continue with the numbers he put up last year, there is no reason he won’t see a few spot starts as the year goes on.

There is also a possibility that Stewart’s future may be on the trading block. As is the case with most on the list here, he serves as a valuable asset for the club in case they need to go and get a bat, or, as a piece of a deal to bring in another elite starter. A lot of fans feel comfortable with the top three in the Dodgers’ pitching rotation, but as Rich Hill has shown, things can change quickly with injuries.

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