Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Ryan Pepiot was named the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week for games played April 5-10. Pepiot’s Triple-A Oklahoma City teammate Zach McKinstry earned PCL Player of the Week honors for the same period.
Pepiot made two starts during OKC’s first series of the season against the Albuquerque Isotopes (Colorado Rockies affiliate), and didn’t allow a run over 7.2 innings in those outings. Pepiot allowed just one one hit and collected seven strikeouts while holding Isotopes batters to a combined 1-for-25 in his two starts.
Pepiot’s start on Opening Day was the first of his young career. “It’s very exciting. We have a ton of guys with experience, especially a lot of guys with Major League time,” he said of being tapped to start a season opener.
“To go out there and be the first guy to take the ball is a special honor.”
Pepiot was among the Dodgers’ non-roster invitees to 2022 Spring Training, which amounted to appearing in three Cactus League games (two starts).
“It was good. I think it was a great learning experience,” Pepiot said of being in big league camp. “I live in Scottsdale with my wife now, so I was at the complex all offseason and then started out there in January for early Minor League camp and then Major League camp started in mid-March.
“Just being able to be around those guys and learn, handle their day-to-day, see what they do and get bits from every person, having meaningful conversations with Major League guys was very impactful.”
McKinstry indicative of Dodgers’ depth
After making the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster last season, McKinstry was optioned to Triple-A to begin the 2022 campaign.
He opened the Minor League season by collecting 11 hits through six games to lead the PCL. Included in that was six extra-base hits and a league-best three triples. McKinstry’s 20 bases also were most in the PCL during the period he was recognized for, and his eight RBI and .833 slugging percentage were both second.
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