Dodgers: Ryan Pepiot Taking New Approach for 2022
Experts are split on whether or not Dodgers pitching prospect Ryan Pepiot is a top 100 prospect right now. They can all agree though that Pepiot’s devastating changeup is already elite.
Pepiot dropped in for a quick interview this week on AM570’s Dodger Talk with David Vassegh. The 24-year-old talked about his mindset when it comes to throwing his most polished pitch.
“It’s definitely the bread and butter with the fastball. It’s something I feel comfortable throwing anytime of the day, any count, to any hitter. Righty or lefty, it doesn’t matter to me.”
Spring training is as great a time as ever for pitchers to tinker their approach in how they attack hitters. Pepiot discussed how he’s trying to add another dimension to his changeup.
“I think the biggest thing I’ve been working on improvement-wise is being able to land it for a strike early, then use it as as put-a-way pitch later on. Rather than just trying to get swing and misses all the time with it. Then, hitters might be able to just eliminate it.”
The former Butler Bulldog noted that he’s altered his repertoire this offseason.
“I’ve gone to a five pitch mix. Fastball, changeup, hard slider, cutter, and then I brought in a new grip on my curveball that I’m having a lot more success with.”
Fans got a glimpse of Pepiot and his newly fangled pitch-mix on Tuesday thanks to MLB.com’s Juan Toribio.
Top prospect vs. top prospect. An eight-pitch at-bat between Ryan Pepiot and Michael Busch. pic.twitter.com/rCSa7KONzm
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) March 8, 2022
According to MLB Pipeline, Pepiot is the Dodgers top pitching prospect this year. It’s unlikely that he’ll make the Opening Day roster for LA, but it’s not a stretch that he could make his MLB debut this year.
At the moment, the Dodgers projected starting rotation is a bit thin. It could create an opportunity for Pepiot and his elite changeup to take the mound at Chavez Ravine this summer.
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