Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Ryan Pepiot made his MLB debut this year and appeared in nine games (seven starts) as the team relied on their organizational pitching depth at various points throughout the season.
The 24-year-old had mixed results in his first experience at the big league level, but nonetheless was appreciative of the opportunity. Pepiot shared his thoughts on the season in an Instagram post that includes a video highlight of the first strikeout he collected with the Dodgers.
Pepiot started three games in May, but then wasn’t back up with the team until July. He made a string of three starts for the Dodgers in August, and two relief appearances during the final month of the regular season.
The last of which was three innings to follow Michael Grove and help the Dodgers alleviate the burden on their bullpen in the first game of a doubleheader at Dodger Stadium.
Pepiot finished 3-0 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.45 WHIP for the Dodgers. He impressed while with Triple-A Oklahoma City, going 9-1 with a 2.56 ERA and 1.07 WHIP across 19 games (17 starts).
Pepiot earned Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week in April and monthly honors in May.
What role will Ryan Pepiot have in 2023?
Pepiot figures to again spend time up with the Dodgers next season, but how prominent of a role he’ll fill won’t be clear until after free agency.
The Dodgers are facing multiple holes in their starting rotation, but one could be filled by re-signing Clayton Kershaw.
Grove, Pepiot and potentially Bobby Miller could all be tasked with making occasional starts.
More must-reads: