The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Ryan Pepiot off the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Tyson Miller was designated for assignment in order to make room for Pepiot’s return to the 40-man roster.
The Dodgers now must pursue a trade for Miller or place him on waivers. Miller has appeared in just one game for the Dodgers this season, allowing three runs over two innings against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 26.
He had joined the Dodgers’ active roster in place of Justin Bruihl, who went on to be designated for assignment and traded to the Colorado Rockies for cash considerations.
The Dodgers traded for Miller on July 12, sending cash considerations to the Milwaukee Brewers. He had been designated for assignment on July 8 after appearing in a career-high seven games for the Brewers this season.
Miller was selected out of California Baptist University by the Chicago Cubs in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Miller made his MLB debut with the Cubs in 2020, though only appeared in two games (one start).
He remained in the Cubs organization through the end of May 2021 before getting DFA’d and claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers. Miller spent a portion of the 2022 season with the Rangers, pitching to a 10.97 ERA and 2.25 WHIP in four games (two starts).
Pepiot is off the IL for the first time this season as he lost a spot in the Opening Day rotation because of a left oblique strain. He initially believed it was a minor injury and would only need a few days before resuming throwing.
Instead, Pepiot dealt with lingering discomfort and had trouble clearing the hurdle of pitching off a mound. The Dodgers transferred the 25-year-old to the 60-day IL on April 21.
He began a rehab assignment with Oklahoma City on July 14. Pepiot stretched out to four innings in a start for OKC on Tuesday.
Dodgers not rushing Pepiot
Although the Dodgers starting rotation had a 6.18 ERA in July, which was the highest in franchise history since moving to Los Angeles, and an elite pitcher wasn’t added to the group, there remains patience with Pepiot.
“I think Ryan is certainly in the conversation now. I think he’s put himself back into position where if something unforeseen happens, he could sort of slot in,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged.
“But I don’t think there’s been enough of a sample or innings since he’s come back, to warrant any kind of finding a way to get him back here.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
