Although Major League players were delayed in being able to report for the start of 2022 Spring Training due to the prolonged MLB lockout, Minor League camp was in full swing for multiple weeks as their season remained on track to start on time.
The Los Angeles Dodgers made the most of the situation as they have one of the best farm systems in baseball, and their prospects had an opportunity to receive extra coaching and further prove themselves.
Ryan Pepiot, one of the Dodgers’ top prospects, was among those who stood out in Minor League camp. He since was part of the non-roster invitees to big league camp for Spring Training.
While Pepiot is mostly known for a devastating changeup that is already considered one of the best in all of baseball, he made a lot of progress developing his slider that is identical to what Blake Treinen throws, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
Pepiot, the team’s No. 2 prospect, was also impressive, striking out five batters as he continued to sharpen an arsenal that includes a trademark changeup and a developing slider — one Pepiot now throws with the same grip as Dodgers big-league reliever Blake Treinen.
“Picked it up in the offseason,” Pepiot said. “It’s come a long way.”
Along with his changeup and slider, Pepiot also has a plus-fastball and a solid curveball.
The right-hander was selected by the Dodgers in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft and advanced to Triple-A last season despite not having a 2020 Minor League season due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Pepiot struggled in his brief time after the promotion, 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).
Despite his struggles, Pepiot remains an exciting pitcher within the Dodgers farm system and should end up making his MLB debut at some point this year.
Pepiot has a chance to be an excellent starting pitcher if he can improve control, which is his main issue right now. But if not, his floor seems to be that of a high-leverage relief pitcher.
Pepiot’s changeup was self-taught
Pepiot’s changeup is ranked by many evaluators as an 80-grade pitch, or a 70 on the low side, on the 20-80 scouting scale,
An 80-grade is given to players who have a skill that would make place them among the best of the best. For example, an 80-grade skill is Aroldis Champan’s fastball, Aaron Judge’s power, Trea Turner’s speed and Matt Chapman’s defense.
Although it can take years of practice to develop a skill that great, Pepiot’s changeup is a relatively new pitch for him. The 24-year-old developed it following his freshman season in college by just throwing with different grips to see if anything worked for him.
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