Kohl

Stewart

Stewart was one of the more intriguing pitching prospects in baseball last decade, but wound up making just 21 appearances (nine starts) in the big leagues for the Twins and Cubs between 2018 and 2021. The 29-year-old former first-round selection signed a minor league pact with the Royals last year, but still hasn’t pitched since 2021 due to a right elbow injury. It’s possible his career is over at this juncture.

No word whether Stewart will receive an invitation to spring training. The 28-year-old right-hander didn’t pitch last season after sustaining a right elbow injury during the 2021 season with the Cubs. He’s an interesting low-risk gamble for the rebuilding Royals.

Stewart has been removed from the Cubs’ 40-man roster after going unclaimed on waivers. He has the option to elect free agency. The 27-year-old righty surrendered 12 runs (eight earned) on 17 hits with an 11/6 K/BB ratio across 13 2/3 innings (four appearances, three starts) at the major-league level last season.

This move clears out a 40-man roster spot for Jake Jewell, who has been called up from Triple-A Iowa. Stewart has been out since early July due to right elbow inflammation and might be done for the year.

It’s unclear how long the 26-year-old hurler will be sidelined. Stewart has appeared in four games for the Cubs, posting a 5.27 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 11/6 K/BB ratio over 13 2/3 innings.

Stewart was recalled on Friday evening to give the Cubs some additional bullpen depth prior to the All-Star break. The 26-year-old righty has recorded a bloated 5.68 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 10/5 K/BB ratio across 12 2/3 innings (three starts) at the major-league level this season.

Stewart has allowed nine runs (eight earned) on 16 hits with a 10/5 K/BB ratio across 12 2/3 innings (three starts) since being summoned from Triple-A Iowa in late-May. The 26-year-old righty should be back with the Cubs at some point this summer.

The right-hander also issued a pair of walks while striking out three on the afternoon. The Cardinals scored single runs against him in each of the first two innings -- on RBI singles by Matt Carpenter and Nolan Arenado. Stewart then allowed the first three hitters to reach in the fifth inning -- including an RBI double to Dylan Carlson -- before turning the ball over to the bullpen. He’ll look to improve upon his 5.68 ERA and 1.66 WHIP when he does battle against the Mets in New York on Wednesday.

Kyle Hendricks had been slated to take the ball Friday, but he’ll get an extra day of rest and start Saturday instead. The Cubs’ starter for Sunday is still TBD, but it will likely be either Zach Davies or Alec Mills. Stewart, 26, holds a 3.12 ERA and 7/3 K/BB ratio over 8 2/3 innings covering two starts for the Cubs this season. He’s not a desirable streaming option.

Stewart could see a start or two while Adbert Alzolay recovers from a blister. The 26-year-old right-hander has posted a 3.12 ERA with seven strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings (two starts) this season for Chicago.