Tough News For Dodgers Pitcher Just Days After His Big Break

Just three days after being named to the starting rotation, the rookie's major league dreams will now have to be put on hold due to the dreaded oblique strain. 

Ryan Pepiot won’t be in the #Dodgers opening day rotation after all. Team announces he is going on the IL with a left oblique strain. Michael Grove takes his place on the roster

— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) March 30, 2023

Ryan Pepiot, the Los Angeles Dodgers' No. 6 prospect—was having a tremendous spring, leading all Dodgers pitchers in strikeouts, with 24. But his final start two days ago was a step back, as he allowed five runs on six hits and four walks while striking out five in 3.2 innings.

Turns out that an oblique issue must have been a contributing factor. “I didn’t execute a lot of pitches, got behind guys, left some stuff over the inner half of the plate and got some balls hit hard."

It's tough timing for the youngster, and it’s not clear at this point how much time Pepiot will miss and whether he'll need more than the minimum 15-day stay on the IL. Oblique strains can be frustrating to come back from.

Pepiot, 25, made his debut in Dodger Blue last season. In nine appearances, he recorded a 3.47 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 36.1 innings pitched. 

At Triple-A last year, he went 9-1 with a 2.56 ERA and 11.2 K/9.

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports