Rookie Pitcher Ryan Pepiot is Ready for Whatever Dodgers Ask of Him
We are one week away from opening day and it’s nearing crunch time on some tough roster decisions for the Dodgers. Among those decisions is who will take the place of injured starter Tony Gonsolin in the rotation. Ryan Pepiot has his name in the hat of possible choices.
The right-hander who made his fifth start of the spring on Wednesday night against the Mariners is ready for whatever gets thrown our way. Earlier in camp, Ryan spoke with DodgersNation.com about his mindset regarding his role. Knowing the decision is out of his hands, he keeps things simple.
“Right now I’m just continuing to build up as a starter and whenever my name is called for, whatever I’m asked to do, I’ll be ready for it. When they say ‘Ryan, the ball is yours,’ I’ll go out there and give it my best effort.”
So far he’s taken care of his end of the bargain. Pepiot’s 2.00 ERA is among the best on the staff this spring. He had allowed just 2 earned runs over 9 innings heading into Wednesday’s start and one more good start could cement his role on the opening day roster for LA.
One point of focus for the right-hander has been continuing to refine his delivery. At times last year he admitted it wasn’t always dialed in and the numbers showed it — mainly in his unsightly 6.7 walks per 9 which was the worst on the team in 2022. He’s made progress there, walking just 3 over 9 innings heading into Wednesday’s outing.
“I feel like I’m in a pretty good spot with [my delivery] right now,” Pepiot said a few weeks ago. “Just continue to throw strikes with my offspeed and pound the zone with the fastball.”
Pepiot has everything in place to succeed this season. The mindset is good. He had some growing pains he learned from last season and is primed to break out for the Dodgers. whenever and where ever he’s needed.
