During one of the multiple instances this season where the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation was in flux, they turned to an unlikely candidate in Nick Tepesch for a spot start against the Pittsburgh Pirates in June.
The right-hander began the season with the Texas Rangers, who granted Tepesch his release from his Minor League contract on June 4. Tepesch then signed with the Dodgers two days later.
He went 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA and 17 strikeouts over three starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Dodgers had the option to skip over the fifth starter’s spot, but were confident Tepesch would provide them with a quality outing.
However, he struggled against the Pirates, allowing five runs on seven hits in just four innings. Tepesch suffered the loss in what was his lone start with the club.
In order to clear room for Chris Taylor on the active roster, the Dodgers designated Tepesch for assignment the day after his start. He was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics soon after, though didn’t crack their Major League rotation.
Tepesch’s first start with Nashville, the Athletics’ Triple-A affiliate, came against Oklahoma City. He pitched six innings allowed five runs on seven hits, including two home runs, and suffered the loss.
Over three games starts with the Sounds, Tepesch went 1-2 with a 4.73 ERA. He was then designated for assignment by the Athletics, and claimed by the Kansas City Royals and optioned to Triple-A Omaha.
In five games (two starts) for the Storm Chasers, Tepesch went 0-1 with a 3.94 ERA.
2016 highlight
In what presumably could have been viewed as a final audition with Oklahoma City prior to joining the Dodgers, the 28 year old permitted just one run on three hits and had eight strikeouts over eight innings.
2017 outlook
Tepesch was outrighted by the Royals in September and cleared waivers. He figures to return under a similar role he held this season, serving as pitching depth for Kansas City or another club if he’s again a casualty of a roster crunch.
