When Tony Gonsolin suffered a sprained ankle that ruled him out of the Los Angeles Dodgers Opening Day rotation, it created an opportunity that Ryan Pepiot initially was expected to fill.
Pepiot edged Michael Grove to be the Dodgers’ fifth starter, but his 2023 season was halted before it even began. Pepiot started in the exhibition Freeway Series for a final tuneup and wound up being placed on the 15-day injured list because of a right oblique strain.
Pepiot recently faced hitters at Camelback Ranch, but his ramp-up hit a snag.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Pepiot is back to throwing on flat ground only and likely won’t return until after the 2023 MLB All-Star Game, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“He’s still having some soreness. At one point we obviously felt that he was ahead of where Michael would be, but I think he just hasn’t gotten to where he needs to in order to progress. Right now, he’s still a way’s out. … You’re talking about after the All-Star break. We’re a way’s out. I don’t know (specifically). Just too many variables.”
Because of being transferred to the 60-day IL late last month, P isn’t eligible to be activated until May 29 at the earliest. Of course, even before the latest update, it was appearing unlikely the right-hander was going to be ready to join the Dodgers or Triple-A Oklahoma City at that time.
Ryan Pepiot believed oblique injury was minor
Although oblique injuries can be a long-term issue, Pepiot was optimistic his situation would only require a brief time on the IL.
“I’m just kind of happy we caught it pretty early so hopefully it doesn’t mean I’m out for too long,” Pepiot said on Opening Day. “Once the symptoms are pretty much gone, then I’ll pick it back up. Hopefully it’ll only be a couple days until I can pick a ball up again.”
Pepiot wound up being delayed in starting his throwing progression.
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