Dodgers beat the Rockies behind Taylor and Puig’s Back to Back
On Corey Seager Bobblehead Night, Brock Stewart made the spot start for the Dodgers after receiving a call-up from Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Dodgers made room for Stewart on the roster after sending ambidextrous reliever Pat Venditte back to the minor leagues. Venditte posted a 6.75 ERA in three appearances with the Dodgers.
It’s @coreyseager_5 Bobblehead Night presented by The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf! #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/GljRQki8Wb
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 23, 2018
Stewart earned the no decision against the Colorado Rockies, allowing two runs on five hits in four innings. Despite the short outing for Stewart, the Dodgers bullpen produced. Erik Goeddel, JT Chargois, Tony Cingrani, Josh Fields and Kenley Jansen combined to allow two hits and one run.
The offense also improved after a quiet game in the series opener. They scored two early runs against Chad Bettis in the first inning. Then, while trailing 3-2 in the sixth inning, Chris Taylor and Yasiel Puig hit back-to-back home runs
Slider… GONE! #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/U9BnuSpMGO
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 23, 2018
and then
Flipped. #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/WIGPe2ulrA
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 23, 2018
JT Chargois allowed the lone run out of the bullpen, surrendering an RBI single to Ian Desmond in the sixth inning. Chargois still earned the victory, improving his record to 2-1. Rockies reliever Bryan Shaw moved to a 1-3 record and Kenley Jansen earned his ninth save of the season.
The series will close tomorrow night with Kenta Maeda scheduled to face off against lefty Kyle Freeland.
W! #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/xPHtvt2mqg
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 23, 2018
Analysis
Stewart’s appearance with the big club did not come as a major surprise given the blister injury to Rich Hill. Stewart played on the Major League roster earlier this season, making three appearances out of the bullpen. He posted better career numbers as a reliever, with a 2.37 ERA out of the bullpen compared to a 5.97 ERA as a starter, coming into Tuesday’s contest.
Stewart looks to be the temporary answer for the Dodgers rotation. Even with Hill out, Clayton Kershaw should return within the next couple of weeks.
Kershaw’s forthcoming return also comes at a time when the Dodgers are gaining momentum. They have won five of their last six games and if they win tomorrow, they will win their second straight series.
