The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Ryan Pepiot from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned Phil Bickford. Pepiot starts Friday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in what’s his third career Major League game.
The Dodgers initially had Tony Gonsolin listed as the probable for the second game of the series at Chase Field, but he’s been pushed back to Saturday. That allows for Gonsolin to receive an extra day of rest coming out of a start in which he threw 90 pitches over six innings during a humid afternoon in Philadelphia.
Pepiot is back up with the Dodgers on the first day he was eligible to be recalled. His start comes on regular rest, as the right-hander last pitched on Sunday when he threw five scoreless innings for Oklahoma City.
Over his two starts for the Dodgers thus far, the organization’s top pitching prospect has allowed three runs over seven innings (3.86 ERA) and held opponents to a .125 batting average. However, like during his rise in the Minors, Pepiot’s command has been inconsistent.
Because of arm soreness, Bickford was among the relief pitchers who fell behind during Spring Training and as a result he was optioned to Oklahoma City as part of the Dodgers setting their Opening Day roster.
Bickford didn’t appear in a Cactus League game until facing the San Francisco Giants on April 2, in what was the Dodgers’ final matchup in Arizona. He struck out two batters and retired the side in order.
Three days later, Bickford threw another scoreless inning in the finale of the exhibition Freeway Series.
While with OKC, the right-hander allowed just one hit — a solo home run — and collected three strikeouts over three innings pitched across four appearances. He was recalled April 17 as the corresponding move to Garrett Cleavinger getting optioned.
Dodgers mulling IL stint for Muncy
Kevin Pillar is among those on the Dodgers taxi squad for the series at Chase Field, and he could be activated if Max Muncy gets put on the 10-day injured list.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it’s a possibility the team is considering due to Muncy experiencing some effects from hitting his left elbow in a screen off foul territory during the series at Nationals Park.
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