The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Caleb Ferguson off the 15-day injured list and optioned Ryan Pepiot to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room on their active roster. Ferguson has been on the IL since June 21, retroactive to June 17, with left forearm tendinitis.
Although the Dodgers placed him on the IL, Ferguson said the injury wasn’t serious and he was just dealing with a bit of soreness. Ferguson believed at the time he was capable of pitching through the discomfort.
He later expressed frustration with how the Dodgers handled his injury and their communication with him about it.
Ferguson is in his first season back from Tommy John surgery and he didn’t make an appearance until the middle of May after starting the season on the 10-day IL. He was also optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City following his season debut, before being recalled in early June.
Ferguson has appeared in six games for L.A. thus far, pitching five innings and giving up no runs or hits. However, the 25-year-old has struggled with command, walking four batters in his brief sample on the mound.
Pepiot was recalled last prior to first pitch on Tuesday to make a spot start and give the rotation an extra day of rest.
One of the Dodgers’ top pitching prospects, Pepiot shined in his fourth career start and picked up his first career win by allowing just one run over five innings with six strikeouts to only one walk. He lowered his season ERA to 2.76 in 16.1 innings with 19 strikeouts and a 1.35 WHIP.
After the game, Roberts confirmed the club would option him to make a move for another pitcher.
With Triple-A Oklahoma City, the 24-year-old has thrown 55.2 innings with a 1.94 ERA, which is backed by striking out more than 12 hitters per nine innings, but he has still struggled with his command, walking four per nine and raising his FIP to 4.01.
Chris Taylor placed on IL
The Dodgers received unfortunate news after Chris Taylor underwent a CT scan on his left foot, which revealed a small fracture.
He was placed on the 10-day IL prior to the game on Wednesday and Zach McKinstry was activated off the 10-day IL.
“Very disappointed, obviously to lose a player like CT,” Roberts said. “But hopefully, it’s not too long-term. I think once we get this swelling out, I think it’s going to be one of those per his tolerance.
“So hopefully it’s not more than a couple weeks.”
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