Eric Stephen
Verified
As seen in:
True Blue LA,
MSN,
MSN Canada,
MSN Philippines,
MSN Singapore,
Frontiers,
Flipboard,
SB Nation,
Yahoo Sports,
Palm Beach Post,
WFTV-TV (Orlando, FL)
and
Baseball punnedit for @sbnation, covering the Dodgers for @truebluela. Podcasting at @ThreeInningSave. BBWAA member. eric.stephen@sbnation.com
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Eric Stephen
Former Dodgers active for the Rays-Brewers World Series Original
The 2026 World Series begins Friday night, with the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays facing up to determine a first-time champion, in a series that will go through at least Tuesday and potentially through Halloween. Three former Dodgers are active for the series — two for the Rays, one for the Brewers. Jonny DeLuca has started all nine postseason games in center field so far for the Rays, with six hits, including a double, in 30 at-bats plus a walk and two stolen bases.
Dodgers pitching outlook heading into offseason
The Dodgers will enter the offseason with 21 pitchers on the 40-man roster, not counting a certain two-way star who won't require surgery this offseason after all. Let's look at the group for a moment. Yoshinobu Yamamoto Blake Snell Tyler Glasnow Roki Sasaki Justin Wrobleski Emmet Sheehan (arbitration eligible) Gavin Stone (arbitration eligible) Landon Knack (out of options) Shohei Ohtani also plans to pitch in 2027, and the Dodgers very much want him to do so.
World Series is here, but let’s talk MLB lockout first
The 2026 World Series begins on Friday, with the Milwaukee Brewers hosting the Tampa Bay Rays. But before we get back to baseball on the field, let's take the temperature of the room regarding the looming labor fight. The collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1 at 8:59 p.m. PT, after which MLB owners will lock out the players. Three times previously a labor stoppage has caused the postponement of the start of an MLB season: This moved opening day from April 5 to April 15.
World Series is here, but let’s talk MLB lockout first
As soon as the previous collective bargaining agreement expired, MLB owners locked out the players, and it took until March 10 for a new CBA to be reached. MLB originally canceled the first two weeks of games, but after the agreement was reached, opening day was pushed back one week, from March 31 to April 7.
Will Klein has right elbow surgery to remove bone chips Original
Dodgers pitcher Will Klein had surgery on Wednesday to remove bone chips and clean up a bone spur in his right elbow, the team announced. The right-hander is expected to be ready for spring training. Klein was acquired by the Dodgers from the Seattle Mariners in June 2025 and pitched his way onto the World Series roster.
Dalton Rushing has elbow surgery, not expected to catch until 2nd half of 2027
Dalton Rushing has elbow surgery, not expected to catch until 2nd half of 2027 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Dalton Rushing #68 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on September 26, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
Charles Davalan singles, plus Brent Honeywell Jr. in Dominican Winter League Original
Wednesday was light in Dodgers action in the Arizona Fall League, as the Glendale Desert Dogs were shut out in a game shortened by rain to only six innings. Against the Peoria Javelinas, Glendale managed only four hits, all singles, one of them by second baseman Charles Davalan. So let’s expand our offseason minor league scope a bit, and turn to the Dominican Winter League (or LIDOM, if you prefer).
Dodgers position player outlook heading into offseason
The Dodgers head into the offseason with their planned 2026 lineup all signed for 2027 as well. Then again they had those nine players all start in the same game only three times this season — September 23 vs. the Padres, NLDS Game 1 against the Braves, and NLCS Game 2 against the Brewers. Timing of injuries were the culprit here, with Tommy Edman recovering from ankle surgery and not making his season debut until June 17.
Surgery ‘not on the table’ for Shohei Ohtani this offseason, Andrew Friedman says Original
Shohei Ohtani was a diminished version of himself over the final two months of the Dodgers season and postseason, dealing with injuries to his left knee and right biceps. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Wednesday that surgery won’t be necessary for Ohtani this offseason for either injury. “[Surgery] is not on the table.
Dodgers position player outlook heading into offseason
The Dodgers head into the offseason with their planned 2026 lineup all signed for 2027 as well. Then again they had those nine players all start in the same game only three times this season — September 23 vs. the Padres, NLDS Game 1 against the Braves, and NLCS Game 2 against the Brewers. Timing of injuries were the culprit here, with Tommy Edman recovering from ankle surgery and not making his season debut until June 17.
Who are you rooting for in the World Series? Original
Four days after the Milwaukee Brewers finished off their sweep of the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night won their American League Championship Series by dispatching the Cleveland Guardians in Game 6 at Tropicana Field. The Brewers last played in the Fall Classic in 1982, when they were an American League team, and have been around as a franchise since 1969.
Arizona Fall League: Charles Davalan reaches base twice, Brooks Auger has rough 1st inning Original
Monday afternoon’s Arizona Fall League game at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale was decided in the first inning, with the Glendale Desert Dogs falling 7-1 to the Salt River Rafters. Only two Dodgers played in Monday’s contest, including right-hander Brooks Auger, who started for Glendale. Auger’s third start of the AFL got off to a rough start, with a triple and single for a run.
Will Smith won’t win the World Series, for the first time since 2019 Original
Will Smith won each of the last six World Series, but that streak will end this year, because nobody named Will Smith plays for the Milwaukee Brewers nor Tampa Bay Rays. The Dodgers catcher and the since-retired left-handed relief pitcher of the same name played for teams that won championships every season from 2020-25. Those two players converged during the 2020 National League Championship Series, a few weeks before the first of those six straight championships.
Dodgers catcher Ben Rortvedt elects free agency
Intermittent Dodgers catcher Ben Rortvedt is a free agent again, opting for free agency on Saturday after getting sent outright to the minors and off the 40-man roster in September Rortvedt was acquired by the Dodgers while off the 40-man roster at each of the last two trade deadlines, and filled in while both Will Smith and Dalton Rushing were injured in both seasons . Rortvedt even started four postseason games behind the plate in 2025 before Smith was fully ready to return from a broken hand.
What was your favorite moment from the Dodgers’ 2026 season? Original
The Dodgers 2026 season ended last week, a few weeks shorter than they hoped. This was a shorter season than the last two championship runs because of not only playing in the World Series, but also starting spring training early and starting the regular season early with trips to Asia in both 2024 and 2025. In that respect, 2026 felt more like a normal year. But seven months is a lot of baseball and there were a lot of moments that stood out, good and bad.
Ben Rortvedt elects free agency
Intermittent Dodgers catcher Ben Rortvedt is a free agent again, opting for free agency on Saturday after getting sent outright to the minors and off the 40-man roster in September. Rortvedt was acquired by the Dodgers while off the 40-man roster at each of the last two trade deadlines, and filled in while both Will Smith and Dalton Rushing were injured in both seasons. Rortvedt even started four postseason games behind the plate in 2025 before Smith was fully ready to return from a broken hand.
Dodgers in Arizona Fall League: Charles Davalan homers, Sam Horn makes baseball debut
Some news and notes from the Arizona Fall League, in which Dodgers prospects play for the Glendale Desert Dogs. Charles Davalan, the outfielder who was named 2026 Midwest League MVP for his work this season with High-A Great Lakes , had been playing second base in the AFL. He has just five hits in 30 at-bats — plus three walks and five times hit by a pitch for a .333 on-base percentage — but four of those hits came in the last week. That included a solo home run last Monday in Scottsdale.
Dodgers in Arizona Fall League: Charles Davalan homers, Sam Horn makes baseball debut
If you buy something from a link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. Some news and notes from the Arizona Fall League, in which Dodgers prospects play for the Glendale Desert Dogs. Charles Davalan, the outfielder who was named 2026 Midwest League MVP for his work this season with High-A Great Lakes, had been playing second base in the AFL.
Dodgers notes: Shohei Ohtani, NLCS symmetry, Savannah Bananas Original
Waking up on a Monday morning knowing we’ll know the full World Series matchup. The Tampa Bay Rays return home up three games to two on the Cleveland Guardians, with Game 6 on Monday night at Tropicana Field. Game 1 of the World Series is Friday night in Milwaukee. Here are a few Dodgers-related and Dodgers-adjacent stories to start your morning.
Shohei Ohtani plans to pitch again in 2027
LOS ANGELES — There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding Shohei Ohtani for the last two-plus months of the 2026 season, and now that the offseason is here there isn't yet much clarity. The Dodgers superstar dealt with left knee issues dating back to June, which initially shut his pitching down after his July 3 start. That was later exacerbated by a right biceps injury, for which Ohtani spent 15 days on the injured list in September.
Dodgers 2026 offseason roster breakdown
The Dodgers 2026 season has ended , so it's now time to focus on what figures to be a tumultuous offseason with the Major League Baseball collective bargaining agreement expiring on December 1. But before we get to the lockout, there are still roster decisions to be made, so let's see how the Dodgers look at the start of their offseason. The season ended with six Dodgers players on the 60-day injured list and thus 46 players on the 40-man roster .
The power of the 3-inning save Original
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers did not have a save of at least three innings in 2026, their first full season without one since 2016. They also did not win or reach the World Series this year. Coincidence? Yes, of course. Let’s not be daft. But three-inning saves are still cool as hell, as I’ve explained many a time here and in audio form elsewhere.
Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Game 4 chat
The Dodgers have one more game to try and ensure they have at least one more game. NLCS Game 4 info Teams: No. 2 seed Dodgers vs. No. 1 seed Brewers Series: Milwaukee leads, 3-0 Ballpark: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Start time: 5:08 p.m. TV: FS1 ( Joe Davis, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal, Tom Verducci National radio: ESPN Radio (Jon Sciambi, Doug Glanville) Local English radio: AM 570 ( Charley Steiner , Rick Monday) Local Spanish radio: KTNQ 1020 AM (José Mota, Luis Cruz)
Dodger Stadium, the place for pennants of late
LOS ANGELES — Dodger Stadium joined a select group of baseball stadiums on Thursday, when the Milwaukee Brewers swept the Dodgers to earn a trip to the World Series for the first time since 1982. The stadium at Chavez Ravine is only the fourth MLB ballpark since the start of divisional play to have three consecutive pennants clinched on its field.
Dodger Stadium, the place for pennants of late
LOS ANGELES — Dodger Stadium joined a select group of baseball stadiums on Thursday, when the Milwaukee Brewers swept the Dodgers to earn a trip to the World Series for the first time since 1982. The stadium at Chavez Ravine is only the fourth MLB ballpark since the start of divisional play to have three consecutive pennants clinched on its field.
Dodgers 2026 offseason roster breakdown Original
The Dodgers 2026 season has ended, so it’s now time to focus on what figures to be a tumultuous offseason with the Major League Baseball collective bargaining agreement expiring on December 1. But before we get to the lockout, there are still roster decisions to be made, so let’s see how the Dodgers look at the start of their offseason. The season ended with six Dodgers players on the 60-day injured list and thus 46 players on the 40-man roster.
Miguel Rojas retires as a player after 13 seasons
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers clubhouse after they lost Game 4 of the National League Championship Series was closed for quite some time before opening to media. Once the clubhouse opened, some players were getting dressed or already dressed, winding down after the end of their season. Infielder Miguel Rojas was still at his locker in full uniform, as Thursday was his last game after 13 major league seasons. “This is it. I'm going to move on and go to the next step of my life in the baseball world.
Miguel Rojas retires as a player after 13 seasons Original
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers clubhouse after they lost Game 4 of the National League Championship Series was closed for quite some time before opening to media. Once the clubhouse opened, some players were getting dressed or already dressed, winding down after the end of their season. Infielder Miguel Rojas was still at his locker in full uniform, as Thursday was his last game after 13 major league seasons. “This is it. I’m going to move on and go to the next step of my life in the baseball world.
Brewers have all the answers again in Game 4, finish NLCS sweep of Dodgers Original
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani hit his first home run in 58 days, and the Dodgers built an early lead. But the Milwaukee Brewers answered, as they did in every game of the National League Championship Series, and finished off the Dodgers with a 6-4 win in Game 4 on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. The Brewers advance to the World Series for the first time since 1982, and their first trip to the Fall Classic as a National League team.
Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Game 4 chat
Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Game 4 chat Oct 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Detail view of helmets in the Los Angeles Dodgers dugout before game four of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs against the Milwaukee Brewers at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The Dodgers have one more game to try and ensure they have at least one more game. Teams: No. 2 seed Dodgers vs.
Dodgers face near impossibility trailing Brewers 3-0
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are the 43rd team in MLB postseason history to trail 3-0 in a best-of-7 series. Of the previous 42 such instances, 32 ended in a sweep. The Brewers can clinch a pennant as early as Thursday night in Game 4 of the National League Championship at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers face near impossibility trailing Brewers 3-0 Original
42 previous 3-0 leads in best-of-7 series resulted in 32 sweeps and six more done by Game 5. LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are the 43rd team in MLB postseason history to trail 3-0 in a best-of-7 series. Of the previous 42 such instances, 32 ended in a sweep. The Brewers can clinch a pennant as early as Thursday night in Game 4 of the National League Championship at Dodger Stadium.
Charley Steiner comeback featured on Fox Sports broadcast
LOS ANGELES — Charley Steiner is calling Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, now that the series shifted to Dodger Stadium. Steiner is calling every home postseason Dodgers game for AM 570 , making a comeback after missing nearly two full seasons while dealing with multiple myeloma and a broken back.
Dodgers' Andy Pages, Max Muncy top-3 finishers for NL Gold Glove Awards
LOS ANGELES — Two Dodgers received recognition for their defensive prowess on Wednesday, with Rawlings announcing the top three finishers at every position in each league for 2026 Gold Glove Awards. Andy Pages and Max Muncy will finish in the top three in center field and third base, respectively in the National League for the honor this season.
MLB playoffs schedule: ALCS shifts to Cleveland
Thursday brings us two games on the postseason schedule, both of which had their start times altered due to bad weather in Cleveland. Game 3 of the American League Championship Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians was originally slated for a 6 p.m. local start at Progressive Field in Cleveland (3 p.m. PT), but on Wednesday was moved to a 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) start in an effort to get ahead of a storm coming through.
Dodgers latest loss to Brewers 'really hard to put into words'
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are still woozy from the gut punch suffered in Game 3 , but now face a sobering reality that their odds are long and the Milwaukee Brewers have several chances to deliver the knock out blow in the National League Championship Series. “This one's up there.
Dodgers latest loss to Brewers ‘really hard to put into words’
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are still woozy from the gut punch suffered in Game 3, but now face a sobering reality that their odds are long and the Milwaukee Brewers have several chances to deliver the knock out blow in the National League Championship Series. "This one's up there.
Dodgers latest loss to Brewers ‘really hard to put into words’
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are still woozy from the gut punch suffered in Game 3, but now face a sobering reality that their odds are long and the Milwaukee Brewers have several chances to deliver the knock out blow in the National League Championship Series. “This one’s up there.
Jake Bauers strikes again, Brewers stun Blake Snell to beat Dodgers in NLCS Game 3 Original
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers finally got the big hit they needed, but it didn’t matter. Jake Bauers had another epically long at-bat, this time culminating in a two-run home run to help the Milwaukee Brewers to a 6-2 win in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. Milwaukee leads the series three games to none, a nearly full reversal of last year’s NLCS between these same two franchises.
Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Game 3 chat
Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Game 3 chat Oct 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; The NLCS and T-Mobile logos in the dugout at the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The Dodgers make a third attempt at their first victory of the National League Championship Series. Shohei Ohtani bats sixth for the first time since September 19, 2020 while with the Angels.
Dodgers are back home in the NLCS, in search of offense
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers were much better hitting in road games this regular season, but now have up to three games at home this week to try to keep their championship quest alive. They'll need to find their offense to do so. At Dodger Stadium this season, the Dodgers hit .250/.329/.419 with a 107 wRC+ that ranked ninth in the majors, averaging 4.63 runs per game. But on the road they averaged 5.26 runs while hitting .263/.347/.429 with a 114 wRC+, with all of those numbers tops in the majors.
Dodgers-Brewers NLCS Game 4 moved up one hour, to 5:08 p.m. PT Original
LOS ANGELES — Expected weather in Cleveland has affected the start time of Thursday’s National League Championship Series Game 4 in Los Angeles. Dodgers vs. Brewers will now start one hour earlier, from 6:08 p.m. to 5:08 p.m. PT, as a result of the American League Championship Series Game 3 moving to earlier in the day. Earlier on Wednesday, Major League Baseball announced that the forecast of inclement weather in Cleveland on Thursday night moved Game 3 of Guardians vs.
Dodgers Andy Pages, Max Muncy top-3 finishers for NL Gold Glove Awards
Dodgers Andy Pages, Max Muncy top-3 finishers for NL Gold Glove Awards Aug 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) makes a leaping catch off a ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) in the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers Andy Pages, Max Muncy top-3 finishers for NL Gold Glove Awards
LOS ANGELES — Two Dodgers received recognition for their defensive prowess on Wednesday, with Rawlings announcing the top three finishers at every position in each league for 2026 Gold Glove Awards. Andy Pages and Max Muncy will finish in the top three in center field and third base, respectively in the National League for the honor this season.
Dodgers & Brewers bullpen exposure through two NLCS games
Dodgers & Brewers bullpen exposure through two NLCS games MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 12: Manager Pat Murphy of the Milwaukee Brewers relieves Abner Uribe #45 in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the National League Championship Series at American Family Field on October 12, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Shohei Ohtani in top 3 for two MLB Players Choice Awards Original
LOS ANGELES — In the moment, the focus is on Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is mired in one of the worst slumps of his career, he’s clearly been diminished by knee and biceps injuries, but insists he’s close to figuring things out mechanically, and will remain in the lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. But sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees.
How to watch Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Game 3
How to watch Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Game 3 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: A Los Angeles Dodgers groundscrew worker paints the postseason logo on the field before the Milwaukee Brewers workout prior to the NLCS at Dodger Stadium on October 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Dodgers sticking with Shohei Ohtani, who’s ‘adamant’ he’s healthy enough to play Original
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani has done very little at the plate for his last 24 games, is dealing with injuries to his left knee and right biceps, and has looked lost at times at the plate during the postseason. Yet the Dodgers are still sticking by their injured super star, with Ohtani set to start yet again in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night. “He’s adamant he feels good enough to be in there. He’s close to finding something with his swing.
Dodgers NLCS Game 3: Rick Monday first pitch, Keith Williams Jr. national anthem Original
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers announced their pregame plans for the National League Championship Series games at Dodger Stadium, beginning with Rick Monday throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Game 3 against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night. Keith Williams Jr. will sing the national anthem ahead of Game 3 on Wednesday, just as he did before Game 1 of this year’s National League Division Series on October 3.
Dodgers return home in daunting, but not impossible 2-0 hole
The National League Championship Series is back in Los Angeles, and the Dodgers offense has yet to fully show up. One year after sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers in this series, it's the Brewers with the commanding lead now, trying for their first World Series appearance in 44 years. A two-game losing streak in the postseason is never advisable, though the Dodgers in each of their last two title runs survived such a fate.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Eric
Contact Eric, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack