Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Talks Ryan Pepiot’s Potential Postseason Role
After a long stint on the injured list, Ryan Pepiot has turned heads in Los Angeles.
Pepiot was sidelined for over four months with an oblique injury acquired during spring training. His 2022 season was promising, as the now 26-year-old appeared in nine games with a 3.47 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. On a small sample size, his 2023 season has been elite.
In four appearances, including two starts, before Wednesday night against the Padres, Pepiot held a 0.86 ERA and an 8.5 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 21 innings. In last week’s outing against the Marlins, the rookie nearly threw a perfect game before allowing a hit in the seventh inning.
While he struggled a bit against San Diego on Wednesday, allowing four earned runs across six innings of work, it was just two bad pitches which haunted him, and he still looked dominant with five strikeouts and 14 swings-and-misses. His season ERA sits at a very solid 2.00 in 27 innings.
Four months ago, Pepiot was fighting to recover from an injury. Now, he’s fighting for a spot in the Dodgers’ starting rotation or bullpen.
With Julio Urias separated from the team after being arrested on a felony domestic violence charge and any hopes of a Walker Buehler return in 2023 officially put to rest, there is room for Pepiot to contribute to a roster built for a run in October.
“The outlook’s good,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts Wednesday evening. “He’s earned that. Earning that. I think he’s got three more starts left after tonight, so we’ll see.”
(Via SportsNet LA)
The Dodgers postseason rotation will likely consist of Clayton Kershaw, Lance Lynn — who leads the major leagues with 41 home runs allowed — and Bobby Miller. Kershaw is obviously a locked-and-loaded starter as he is one of the best pitchers alive, but he has had some difficulties staying healthy this season, missing six weeks due to a shoulder injury. Having Pepiot in relief, or available to start, could prove invaluable for the Dodgers.
“Whether it’s a starter, as I said, or we open for him, I don’t know how that’s going to look for him,” Roberts said. “But the hope is he just continues to go out there and pitch well.”
(Via SportsNet LA)
Photo Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
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