Dodgers News: Ryan Pepiot Left Friday’s Start Early With Discomfort in His Side

Can the Dodgers just stop with the injuries? On Friday, RHP Ryan Pepiot left his start after just three innings due to discomfort in his side, according to manager Dave Roberts and per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.

Pepiot didn’t come back in the fourth inning after a pretty dominant start, however, the Dodgers had a long half-inning that saw the team bat around in the order and the Cubs make two pitching changes — so it was assumed that Pepiot just left the game because of the long break. However, Roberts confirmed that was not the case.

The good news is Roberts said this shouldn’t affect his schedule going forward, and he should be able to make his next start. Obviously, the ‘discomfort in his side’ is very vague, but I’m sure the team will know more tomorrow (or maybe they already do). But again, Roberts didn’t sound concerned, so there’s no reason we should be, either.

At this point in spring, Pepiot is likely the frontrunner to replace injured RHP Tony Gonsolin in the rotation to start the year. Through three starts, Pepiot has thrown nine innings, and has allowed just two runs while striking out an impressive 13 batters.

Pepiot also got the most big league experience of the three options — Pepiot, Michael Grove and Andre Jackson — last year, making five starts and seven appearances at the big league level.

He’s looked really good thus far in spring, and should be able to make a real impact on the team this season. Let’s just hope he’s completely healthy and ready to go come Opening Day, and this discomfort doesn’t linger.

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