The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Ryan Pepiot to Triple-A Oklahoma City one day after his MLB debut, but a return may be on the horizon for the organization’s No. 2 pitching prospect.
Pepiot’s opportunity to start for the Dodgers was created in large part because of a doubleheader last weekend against the Chicago Cubs. His next change to pitch for L.A. is directly traced to a twinbill as well.
“I thought Ryan did some good things,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Pepiot’s performance in his debut. “So he’s in the mix for that.”
Thursday marked a stretch of eight games in seven days for the Dodgers. Their doubleheader with the Arizona Diamondbacks is Tuesday, with the first game at Dodger Stadium set for a 12:10 p.m. PT start, and first pitch in the nightcap coming at 7:10 p.m.
Tuesday is the 58th doubleheader at Dodger Stadium, and first since the 1999 season.
Tyler Anderson, who took the ball in the series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday night, is lined up to start one of the doubleheader games against the Diamondbacks. Anderson was in the same position at Wrigley Field, when he took the ball in the night game.
Because Pepiot would get recalled as the 27th man for a doubleheader, he is eligible to return despite the requisite 15 days not passing. Such an exception is also made when replacing an injured player on the active roster or due to a COVID-19 injured list stint.
Dodgers options outside of Pepiot
Despite carrying a 14-man pitching staff, the Dodgers don’t have an abundance of options outside of Pepiot to slot in for a spot start.
Andre Jackson — who was a candidate to start the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates — could be recalled. Jackson last pitched for Triple-A Oklahoma City on May 10, and normal turn in the rotation has him lined up to take the mound again on Sunday.
Of course, Jackson may now be needed prior to Tuesday because of the domino effect from Clayton Kershaw being placed on the 15-day IL with right SI joint inflammation.
Mitch White remains on the COVID IL and was ruled out by Roberts as an option. The Dodgers conceivably could rely on a bullpen game as well.
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