Los Angeles Dodgers prospects collectively have gained national attention over the past few weeks through rankings by multiple publications, and Ryan Pepiot in particular has appeared on top lists.
The right-hander was selected by the Dodgers in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Despite not having a traditional Minor League season in 2020, Pepiot advanced to Triple-A Oklahoma City last year.
He struggled some, going 2-5 with a 7.13 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in 11 appearances (nine starts) for OKC. Overall last season, Pepiot went a combined 5-9 with a 4.62 ERA and 1.29 ERA across 26 games (22 starts).
More important than statistics at this juncture in his career is development. Pepiot told Bill Plunkett at Baseball America that he’s gaining confidence with his pitches:
“I’m starting to feel good about my whole arsenal all around,” Pepiot said. “Having five tools in the tool box now and being able to throw those where I want to when I want to is definitely going to help me solidify things as a starter and hopefully get a chance to go up to Dodger Stadium at some point.”
While Pepiot has continued to work on all pitches, his changeup is what’s garnered national notoriety. Some consider Pepiot’s changeup an 80-grade pitch, and the circle grip was self taught.
As the 24-year-old was performing well with Double-A Tulsa, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it was possible Pepiot would join the club for his MLB debut down the stretch of the 2021 season.
“I don’t think it was in the plans as we started this season, but things obviously in a baseball season change so we’ll continue to evaluate,” Roberts said during the year. “Ryan’s a big part of what we’re doing now and going forward.”
When will Pepiot make MLB debut?
After the Dodgers were eliminated from the National League Championship Series, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman identified Pepiot among the candidates to contribute for the team in 2022.
“We’ve got a really good group of young starting pitchers coming,” Friedman said. “It really gives us a strong foundation and depth, so now rounding the rotation will definitely be something we’re focused on as we get into the winter.”
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