Dodgers Injury News: Pair of Starting Pitchers On the Mend at AAA

Over the weekend, the Dodgers had some positive updates in the injured starting pitcher department with both Ryan Pepiot and Noah Syndergaard making strides towards their return to the active roster.

Each picked up a start for the Triple-A Oklahoma City team recently and seemingly came out of their appearances healthy.

Syndergaard, in his second rehab start for OKC, tossed 5 innings while allowing 4 runs on 6 hits. He actually faced hitters in the 6th inning but was unable to retire anyone. 3 of the 4 runs he allowed came in that frame.

He threw 77 pitches thrown and hit 93 mph on the radar gun.

Thor was at Dodger Stadium on Monday checking in with the team as they returned home to LA for the first time in more than two weeks. He’s scheduled to make his third rehab start at AAA on Thursday before the Dodgers will have to make a decision on his future.

Pepiot, who has missed the entire season with an oblique strain, built up to 48 pitches, making it through 2.2 innings, allowing 4 runs on a pair of homers. He reportedly touched 95 mph on his fastball.

The Dodgers have been in dire need of solid starting pitching for most of the season, but after recent struggles in the rotation, that has never been more apparent. The rotation of Julio Urías and Tony Gonsolin, plus rookies Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan, and Michael Grove has allowed 30 runs over their last 34.1 innings.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers face the challenge of inflated prices for starting pitching help. With that in mind, the return of Pepiot and Syndergaard provides the team with some much-needed reinforcements without having to give up significant assets.

Still, they likely won’t want to rely on someone like Syndergaard who, even when healthy struggled mightily this season, or Pepiot who is another rookie hurler.

Photo Credit: Dodgers Nation