Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Ryan Pepiot from Triple-A Oklahoma City for the permitted 27th player on their active roster for Tuesday’s doubleheader against the Arizona Diamondbacks. As was widely expected, Pepiot is starting the afternoon affair.
The right-hander made his MLB debut last week under similar circumstances, as the Dodgers were in need of a spot starter for the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He issued five walks but worked out of jams to toss three scoreless innings.
Pepiot flashed his heralded changeup but also struggled with command, which has been a theme throughout his Minor League career thus far. He attributed the lack of control to both fighting some nerves and mechanics at times getting out of sorts.
“I thought Ryan did some good things,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said of Pepiot’s performance in his debut.
Pepiot was optioned one day after his debut, but did not pitch in a game between then and Tuesday. Yency Almonte, who was called up as the corresponding move, is still with the Dodgers.
Because Pepiot got recalled as the 27th man for a doubleheader, he was eligible to return despite the requisite 15 days not passing after being optioned. Such an exception is also made when replacing an injured player on the active roster or due to a COVID-19 injured list stint.
Tyler Anderson is starting the nightcap of the twin bill against the Diamondbacks. The Dodger Stadium doubleheader is the ballpark’s first July 22, 1999, to makeup for a rainout against the Colorado Rockies from April 11 of that year.
Pepiot off to strong start
One of the top prospects in the Dodgers farm system, Pepiot has pitched well for Triple-A Oklahoma City this season. His success comes after struggling in OKC upon earning a promotion from Double-A Tulsa last year.
Pepiot’s strong start to the season earned him Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Month honors for April. Across his five starts during that span, he went 2-0 with a 1.66 ERA.
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