The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Ryan Pepiot from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned Andre Jackson as the corresponding roster move prior to the series finale against the Minnesota Twins.
For multiple days it appeared likely Pepiot would join the Dodgers for a spot start after Clayton Kershaw was placed on the 15-day injured list with lower back pain.
Pepiot, one of the Dodgers’ top pitching prospects, has already made four starts at the Major League level this season; three of which came in May.
The right-hander enjoyed his best outing on July 5 against the Colorado Rockies, allowing just one run and four hits while collecting six strikeouts across five innings of work.
Pepiot is 1-0 with a 2.76 ERA, 4.15 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in 16.1 innings pitched. The 24-year-old has posted an even better 2.27 ERA while striking out 93 and walking 32 in 75.1 innings with the OKC Dodgers this season (15 games, 13 starts).
Pepiot pitched seven innings in each of his last two games with Oklahoma City, one of which was appearing after an opener.
Jackson optioned to OKC Dodgers
Two days after being recalled by the Dodgers as the corresponding move to Yency Almonte going on the 15-day IL, Jackson now returns to OKC.
The 26-year-old has not pitched in a game for L.A. this season but made three appearances last season, going 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA, 4.11 FIP and 1.37 WHIP over 11.2 innings.
Jackson became the first player in the modern era (since 1901) with at least five strikeouts and four walks but zero runs allowed in a relief appearance in his MLB debut.
The former 12th-round draft pick is 1-6 with a 5.20 ERA in 16 starts for OKC this season. After struggling into June, Jackson was placed on the developmental list and has fared better in his last four starts, sporting a 2.65 ERA over that stretch.
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