Ryan Pepiot was poised to be part of the Los Angeles Dodgers Opening Day rotation but an oblique strain instead forced him to the 15-day injured list at the start of the season.
Pepiot aggravated the injury sometime during his start in the exhibition Freeway Series, though he originally felt it during a Cactus League outing. Pepiot has previously dealt with an oblique injury in his career, but noted the current issue is “different” because of it being near his ribs.
The right-hander was disappointed to start the season on the IL but optimistic he would quickly resume throwing because of how early the injury was caught. However, that’s yet to begin.
“He was supposed to take three or four days off, so I don’t think he started throwing yet,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
When asked if there was a timeframe as to when Pepiot would pick up a baseball, Roberts couldn’t pinpoint a day.
“I’ll dig into that, but I don’t think he’s started throwing to quite yet. But it’s close,” he said.
The longer Pepiot is unable to throw the more time he will need to build back up prior to returning from the IL. If that is not before Gonsolin is activated, Pepiot will likely find himself pitching for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Michael Grove filling in for Ryan Pepiot
Injuries to Tony Gonsolin and Pepiot has created an opportunity for Michael Grove. Roberts recently estimated Grove would make upwards of five starts for the team, so long as production warranted.
Gonsolin was expected to face batters at Camelback Ranch on Wednesday and could return at the end of April.
Meanwhile, Grove pitched through illness in his first start of the season, allowing three runs over four-plus innings.
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