The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Brock Stewart on the 15-day Injured List on July 31 because of right shoulder discomfort. Cole Irvin joined the active roster as the corresponding move.

Stewart had only been active for a little more than a month before suffering his latest setback.

During that relatively brief stretch, he was highly effective, recording scoreless appearances in nine of his 12 outings after returning from a bone spur in his left foot.

Overall, Stewart has posted a 2.45 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 25.5% Strikeout Rate (K%) in 14.2 innings over 14 appearances this season while working in a high-leverage role.

The right-hander took another important step Thursday by successfully throwing live batting practice and is nearly ready to begin a rehab assignment.

This marks Stewart’s third stint on the Injured List this season.

He previously opened the year while recovering from offseason right shoulder surgery before later dealing with the left foot injury.

Speaking with Kirsten Watson from SportsNet LA, Stewart explained that this rehabilitation process has been far more streamlined than the previous two because he had not been away from game action for very long.

He said the live batting practice session felt normal, the ball was coming out well and his shoulder felt good physically. His focus remains on evaluating how he responds the following day and continuing to progress one day at a time.

“It felt good. This time around, it hasn’t been too long since I was active, so felt normal,” Stewart said.

“Felt good out there. Physically, the ball was coming out good. So just see how we feel tomorrow and one day at a time.”

Stewart needed slightly more than a week before he was ready to throw his first bullpen session.

He credited the Dodgers’ training staff for emphasizing soft-tissue work early in the process, particularly around the shoulder.

Stewart explained that he initially took roughly three days without throwing while the staff worked extensively on the surrounding tissue. They made sure there were no knots or tightness affecting how the shoulder was moving and activating.

He believes that buildup contributed to the tendinitis he experienced.

After several days without throwing, Stewart completed five or six days of a throwing progression before his first bullpen. He said throwing currently feels good and emphasized that whether he returns in a few days or a few weeks will not change his daily approach.

“We gave it, like, three days of no-throw and really hammered away at the tissue work,” Stewart explained.

“Basically, everything around my shoulder, making sure there’s no knots, no rocks in my shoulder anywhere. Just making sure the tissue is laying down correctly and activating correctly," he said.

"I think that’s what led to the tendinitis that I had. Things were just really bound up. So to kind of let things calm down and get the trainers’ hands on me was huge,” Stewart continued.

“After a couple days of no-throw, and five or six days of a throwing progression before my first bullpen. Throwing feels good. I’m happy with how it feels now. Like I said, one day at a time. Just continuing to work. Whether I’m activated in a few days or a few weeks, it’s not going to change how I approach each day.”

Stewart’s value to the Dodgers goes beyond his recent numbers.

He has shown the ability to handle difficult late-inning situations without changing his approach, giving manager Dave Roberts another trusted option when games tighten.

His power arsenal allows him to challenge hitters aggressively, while his willingness to attack the strike zone can prevent innings from spiraling.

Just as important is Stewart’s resilience. Three separate Injured List stints in one season can test any player mentally, yet he has continued treating each rehabilitation step with patience and discipline.

If he returns healthy, Stewart would provide the Dodgers with another experienced high-leverage reliever. And strengthen a bullpen that could use additional stability for the stretch run and postseason.