The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced their 2023 Opening Day roster, which included placing Ryan Pepiot (left oblique strain), Daniel Hudson (left knee surgery), Tony Gonsolin (left ankle sprain), Alex Reyes (right shoulder surgery) and Jimmy Nelson (right elbow inflammation) on the 15-day injured list to open the season.
On a related note, Gavin Lux was put on the 60-day IL as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his right knee.
Pepiot’s inclusion is the only surprising name of the group as he was named the fifth starter in the starting rotation while all the others were expected to open the year on the shelf.
The 25-year-old struggled with control and executing pitches in his final start of Spring Training on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, only going 3.2 innings while giving up five runs.
Pepiot did not give off any indication of injury, but the Freeway Series finale was when he suffered the oblique strain.
Gonsolin sprained his ankle while walking off the field during a workout at Camelback Ranch earlier in spring and his recovery has been slower than anticipated. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes Gonsolin will be able to return near the end of April.
Daniel Hudson is still recovering from an ACL tear in his knee suffered last season as some issues have lingered. The 36-year-old has been throwing bullpen sessions, but dealt with knee pain and right ankle tendinitis after throwing, which caused the Dodgers to slow down his spring.
The hope remains that Hudson will be able to return at the end of April, but there is no clear timetable.
Jimmy Nelson struggled throughout Spring Training in his first game appearances since undergoing Tommy John Surgery in 2021. He was also sidelined in 2020 after undergoing season-ending back surgery.
Despite his struggles, the Dodgers “completely believe” in Nelson and Roberts expressed optimism the veteran reliever will be able to rebound.
Reyes is expected to miss the first few months of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery last year, but the Dodgers believe he will return in the second half.
Michael Grove replaces Ryan Pepiot
To replace Pepiot in the Opening Day rotation, the Dodgers added Michael Grove to their roster. He was battling with Pepiot for the final spot in the rotation before a starter was chosen.
The decision between the two pitchers was the “toughest decision” for the Dodgers, but Pepiot ultimately won the job due to his performance.
Grove held a 5.40 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across six Cactus League starts while collecting 17 strikeouts to three walks in 16.2 innings.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
