LA Dodgers face setback with major trade deadline acquisition following loss to Angels

In a night where the Los Angeles Dodgers were hoping to bounce back, neither the team nor Shohei Ohtani achieved the result they anticipated in the second game of their series against the Los Angeles Angels. Despite their efforts, the Dodgers were undone by a pivotal triple play, starring none other than Ohtani himself, that shifted the momentum away from the Dodgers on Tuesday night.

Head coach Dave Roberts, already disappointed after the Dodgers’ loss in the first game of the series against the Angels due to an error, faced further frustration on Tuesday as the team succumbed to its third consecutive regular season loss. Adding to Roberts’ woes was the disheartening news regarding an injury to a recently acquired player at the trade deadline.

As the Dodgers aim to reclaim the title amidst Ohtani’s remarkable performance this season―he’s hit a home run in four consecutive games and is nearing the milestone of 50 home runs, as he did last season―their struggle is exacerbated by a significant setback: the injury to Brock Stewart.

Stewart has been placed on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, a development that has caught off guard both the front office and the coaching staff, led by Roberts. With one of their key trade deadline additions sidelined, the Dodgers must now explore alternative solutions to bolster their pitching roster moving forward.

Stewart shines in initial outings with the Dodgers

The Dodgers boast an impressive roster this regular season, and one of their pivotal additions is Stewart. Tasked with enhancing the team’s pitching prowess, he has already demonstrated his potential in his first four appearances for the franchise.

In Stewart’s second stint with the Dodgers, he has allowed six hits, two runs, and two walks, but notably, he has yet to surrender a home run or issue an intentional walk. Over 3.2 innings pitched, Stewart has managed to strike out three batters across 20 plate appearances, showcasing promising form early in his Dodgers campaign.

Dodgers navigate roster adjustments with Stewart’s injury

With Stewart placed on the injured list, the timeline for his return remains uncertain. In a proactive move, the Dodgers have called up Edgardo Henriquez as his replacement. Henriquez played against the Angels on Tuesday, pitching for 1.1 innings.

This setback compounds the challenges for the Dodgers, who are currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak. The team must strategize not only on how to recover from this slump but also on managing the list of injured players. Additionally, it’s crucial for the Dodgers to address their errors to maintain their lead in the National League West standings.