Twins promote reliever Brock Stewart, completing his long road back to majors

After Brock Stewart walked off the field for the Toronto Blue Jays during a loss to Baltimore to finish their home schedule four years ago, he thought it could be the last game of his MLB career.

Stewart hasn't played in the major leagues since September 2019, but another opportunity could come soon after he battled back from Tommy John surgery to make a strong impression as one of the hottest Class AAA relievers for the St. Paul Saints.

"To be back here now, it's definitely a special feeling for me," said the 31-year-old Illinois native after he was promoted by the Twins before Tuesday night's game against the New York Yankees.

Stewart has appeared in 46 career MLB games, including with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2016-19. He showed promise posting a 3.41 ERA with the Dodgers in 2017, but the struggles were glaring when that number jumped to 8.31 in 10 games with Toronto two years later.

"I've been here before," Stewart said. "I've had success. I've failed. I don't know. I'm just treating it like I have nothing to lose. I worked my butt off. I put myself in a good position."

The 6-3 righthander and former Illinois State star had Tommy John surgery and arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur in 2021, and he was signed by the Twins as a minor league free agent last July. In seven games for the Saints this season, Stewart posted a 2.08 ERA and allowed two runs in 8 2⁄3 innings with two saves, two walks and 17 strikeouts.

"He's a guy that if we need him to go out there and throw a couple innings for us, he'll be able to do," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said Tuesday. "I wouldn't hesitate to put him in the fire one day if we have to. And I think he could hold his own there, too. So I think he's more of a versatile piece for us, with big stuff."

The Twins' moving Stewart comes after Bailey Ober was optioned back to St. Paul on Monday. Ober gave up one run on three hits in 5 2⁄3 innings to get the victory against Washington on Sunday.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Stewart, the Twins designated righthanded pitcher Trevor Megill for assignment. Megill gave up 14 runs on nine hits in 9 2⁄3 innings pitched for St. Paul. He had 16 strikeouts and 13 walks.

Twins infielder Kyle Farmer participated in pregame work before Tuesday's game, but Baldelli said it could be a week of rehab games before he's ready to return.

Farmer was hit in the face with a 91-mph fastball on April 12 against the Chicago White Sox. He suffered a lip laceration and a jaw injury that needed surgery. He was placed on the 10-day injured list and still needs stitches removed from his mouth.

"From my expectations, he's definitely ahead of where I thought he would be," Baldelli said. "We're not babying him in any way. He's out there with the rest of the guys getting his work in. Probably pushing the envelope a little bit in some ways, but we expected that with him."

Following his strong opening game in the home series against his former team, first baseman Joey Gallo was not in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Yankees. Gallo helped to propel the Twins to a 6-1 victory Monday night with a home run in the fourth inning, which was his team-leading sixth homer of the season.

Gallo's spot in the order was taken by Willi Castro batting seventh and playing left field. Donovan Solano was the leadoff batter and replaced Gallo at first base. Gallo's rest day was short lived, though. He entered the game during the seventh inning, taking over for Solano at first base and doubled in his first at-bat.