The Rays announced that right-hander Ryan Pepiot was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right knee infection, beginning July 19. Tyler Zuber recalled to Triple-A Durham in corresponding move.
Pepiot was acquired from the Dodgers in an offseason trade that posted Tyler Glasnow to Los Angeles. His first season in Tampa has been solid so far, as he has made 17 starts with a 3.92 earned run average. He struck out 26.7% of the batters he faced while striking out at an 8.8% clip.
It is unclear how or when he injured his knee. His last outing was the Sunday before the All-Star break and he threw six shutout innings against the Rangers that day. Maybe it was bad for him after that the Rays used the break to see if he would improve but did not see any progress.
No matter how or when it happens, it will take away from the depth of Tampa's rotation, which has been a dynamic story in recent weeks. They're understandably not exactly sellers, as they've been hovering around .500 this year. They are currently 49-49 and just 4.5 games out of a playoff spot.
However, they have had some pitchers return from long-term injuries, allowing them to make other starts available on the trade market. Recently they have repented Aaron Civale The Brewers immediately signed him Shane Bazwho was recovering from Tommy John surgery.
That exchange left a ripple in the rotation that included Pepiot, Baz, Zach Eflin, Zack Littell again Hello Bradley. With Jeffrey Springs and with him coming back from his own Tommy John surgery, it seemed possible that Tampa could make another starter available without hurting their 2024 rotation depth too much. Eflin and Littell appeared to be the most likely options as each is set for free agency after 2025.
Perhaps this injury to Pepiot will change that calculation, but it is still unclear how serious the injury is or how long the Rays expect him to miss. In the meantime, they will have to fill Pepiot's spot in the rotation, which could involve bringing back Springs as the lefty has spent several months rehabbing. Rehab stints usually last only 30 days for players but can be extended in the case of Tommy John surgery recovery. If Springs is not ready, Tyler Alexander again Jacob Lopez they are on the 40 man roster and can be recalled.
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