Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Thinks Ryan Pepiot Looks ‘Completely Different’ From Last Year
After some disappointing injury news leading to Dodgers starter Tony Gonsolin’s season likely being over, manager Dave Roberts has some questions to answer about who might be his replacement for LA’s rotation.
According to the Dodger skipper, Ryan Pepiot could be that option for the for the rest of this season after improving his game from this season to last.
“Completely different,” Roberts said regarding how Pepiot looked on Saturday compared to last season. “You could see see by the swings that they weren’t seeing it well.”
via Sportsnet LA
Opening a doubleheader against the Marlins on Saturday, Pepiot entered the game in the second inning after the Dodgers’ win streak was snapped in embarrassing fashion on Friday.
The day after Gonsolin gave up 10 earned runs to Miami, Pepiot limited the Fish to just one run over five innings of work as the bulk guy on a bullpen day.
Run prevention like this a day after Gonsolin’s blow up start was important not just for a taxed bullpen from the previous game, but to get Pepiot’s own confidence up in recovery from his injury.
The young righty had his slider, fastball and devastating changeup all working and mentioned pride in having another opportunity at the big league level this year.
“Definitely feel more confident,” Pepiot said about how he’s feeling in technically his second season in the Majors (although he’s still a rookie). “Had that experience under my belt. To be able to go out there and know I can do it at this level.”
via Sportsnet LA
With Gonsolin’s absence for the foreseeable future, the Dodgers fifth rotation spot is definitely open for business.
Among the many young arms that have already contributed to the Dodgers’ season from a slew of injuries, Pepiot’s recovery and great first impression at the major league level could be a stepping stone for 2023.
Held back by an injury after being penciled into the fifth starter role in spring training, Pepiot is fully healthy and ready to make up for lost time.
With more performances like this one, the rookie will have plenty of chances to continue his great pitching into the playoffs for a Dodger roster eager to win it all again.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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