LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers optioned right-hander Brock Stewart to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make roster room for Sunday starter Brandon McCarthy, who was activated from the 60-day DL.
Stewart made a single start with the Dodgers to fill a rotation spot most recently vacated by Nick Tepesch, going five innings and allowing five runs against the Brewers. While not the best line, all five runs came in a nightmare second inning that Stewart impressively bounced back from.
"The clear message from the organization, myself, and Rick Honeycutt was it's certainly not punitive," manager Dave Roberts said. "It's a roster spot that we needed for today. He really opened a lot of eyes and getting the takeaway from being in the big leagues for a week, having the opportunity to face Major League hitters, talk to Major League players on the bench. "
Stewart's ascension has been amazing this season. He started the season in Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga and blew through every level up to the Majors. While he's no longer on the Dodgers' active roster, he is most certainly in their thoughts for the future.
McCarthy's activation has been expected since Friday, making his return to the mound after spending more than a year on the DL due to a torn UCL requiring Tommy John surgery.
"I know he and his family are excited, the players and the clubhouse are excited," Roberts said. "You can see Brandon try to temper his emotions and not put too much stock into this one start, but for us to look at his comeback and what he's gone through, it's very exciting."
Right-hander Yaisel Sierra was outrighted to make room on the 40-man roster, just five months after the Cuban signed a six-year, $30 million contract with the Dodgers.
Sierra struggled in his season with Rancho so far, compiling a 7.16 ERA in 11 starts and a .305 batting average against.