Ryan Pepiot had been named to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Opening Day starting rotation because Tony Gonsolin was still recovering from a sprained left ankle, but he wound up beginning the season on the 15-day injured list as well because of an oblique strain.
Pepiot initially expected to make a relatively quick recovery, but it wound up being a drawn-out process because the injury entailed some intercostal trouble as well. The right-hander made his 2023 debut with the Dodgers on August 19, and has bounced to and from Triple-A Oklahoma City since then.
Now, however, it appears Pepiot may be primed for a more solidified role in the Dodgers rotation.
According to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, the Dodgers are going to recall Pepiot to start in place of Julio Urías on Thursday:
#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ryan Pepiot will be activated and start tomorrow.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) September 6, 2023
Pepiot last was optioned on August 31 as the corresponding move to Shelby Miller coming off the 60-day IL, but is eligible to return without waiting the requisite 15 days because Urías was put on paid administrative leave by MLB. Pepiot also could have been recalled this week if needed to replace an injured player.
MLB putting Urías on leave removed him from the Dodgers’ active and 40-man rosters. Administrative leave typically spans seven to 10 days, but Urías’ outlook appears to be more indefinite.
“Per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, Julio Urías has been placed on Administrative Leave until further notice as MLB continues its ongoing investigation,” the league said in a statement.
“The administrative leave, which is effective immediately, is not disciplinary under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. We will refrain from further comment until the appropriate time.”
Ryan Pepiot embracing any role with Dodgers
Pepiot’s first two appearances with the Dodgers this season both were out of the bullpen and as part of a doubleheader. His most recent outing came in the form of a start against the Arizona Diamondbacks in which he turned in five scoreless innings.
Overall this season, Pepiot is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP in the three games (one start).
While the 26-year-old is naturally a starter, Pepiot expressed a willingness to follow an opener or pitch at any point out of the bullpen should the Dodgers need more flexibility.
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