Dodgers Pitcher Brock Stewart on Surgery and Recovery
PHOENIX — Dodgers reliever Brock Stewart described the shoulder surgery that cut his 2025 season short last September as a “very simple surgery.” Yet, during a conversation with the California Post at Camelback Ranch on Friday, he elaborated on what Dr. Neal El-Atrache, the team’s surgeon, did to address his ongoing shoulder issues.
“They removed bone spurs, part of my collarbone, and a bursa,” Stewart shared casually, hoping that the details of such a serious procedure would eventually lead to better health.
“Essentially, it just gives the humeral head more room to rotate,” he explained. “It feels a lot better, and I can definitely tell it’s much cleaner. Throwing feels good.”
Stewart feels proud to be able to articulate these complex medical details. He certainly doesn’t want to lose his bursa—it’s that protective sac of fluid in his shoulder—or part of his collarbone.
After a rocky pro career that started as a backup starter for the Dodgers a decade ago, saw him hitting rock bottom in independent league baseball in 2020, and then being reinvented as a high-leverage relief pitcher, he found himself with limited options due to recurring shoulder problems.
If the surgery helps him pitch without pain, then it’s worth it, in his view.
“I’ve been in the pros for 13 seasons, and it feels like I’ve dealt with shoulder issues for half of them,” he reflected. “I really hope this solves the chronic problem.”
As he looks ahead to this season, Stewart is eager for a fresh start.
When the Dodgers traded for him last July, they were hoping he could help stabilize a struggling bullpen. He had a strong performance in the first half of 2025 with the Twins, posting a 2.38 ERA in 39 games, despite having shoulder surgery in 2024.
However, after just four outings with the Dodgers, his shoulder flared up again. Every pitch felt like a knife in his shoulder, forcing him to step back for the remainder of the year while the team advanced to the World Series without him.
“Last year felt like the worst mental battle,” Stewart admitted. “Getting traded and then coming here, it didn’t help me, especially not in the postseason.”
This time around, he wants to play a significant role in the team’s quest for a third consecutive championship.
Though he started spring training later than other Dodgers pitchers, he’s optimistic about completing his recovery and believes he might not be ready for Opening Day, but should be able to pitch for most of the season.
He started seeing progress in his throwing as early as December, and he’s shedding the “cobwebs” from his recent rehabilitation. He’s already throwing around 90 mph in long tosses and is on track to pitch from the mound soon.
“I think I have a solid schedule. El-Atrache spoke to me yesterday, and he was pleased with my progress,” Stewart noted. “It feels good to be loose and whippy with my throws, and I can do all the range stuff smoothly.”
This year, the Dodgers aren’t depending on Stewart as much as they had originally planned. They recently signed Edwin Diaz as their new closer to lead the bullpen and are also focused on the recovery of right-hander Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol, who missed last season due to shoulder surgery.
Still, Stewart views himself as a valuable asset. If he returns quickly, he could offer crucial right-handed depth until Evan Phillips recovers from Tommy John surgery. Given the potential for injuries in the Dodgers’ rotation—especially after the taxing postseason—his experience could provide necessary stability.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be part of a team striving for their third title. I really hope to contribute significantly,” Stewart said, aiming for the ultimate goal. “I want to look back at the end of the season and say I made a meaningful impact. And ideally, we lift the World Series trophy for our third straight championship.”
