Dodgers News: Ryan Pepiot Wins Award as Return to Big League Squad Nears

A key piece to the rotation seems ready to go!

You may not think that Ryan Pepiot would make a huge difference for the Dodgers right now, but if you look at what he's done on his minor league rehab assignment, you might think otherwise.

The 25-year-old righty is coming back from an unfortunate oblique injury in his last spring training start before Opening Day. He was slated to fill the fifth spot in the rotation because of Tony Gonsolin's ankle injury.

Now on his way back, Pepiot collected some hardware winning the AAA Pitcher of the Week Award.

#Dodgers No. 10 prospect Ryan Pepiot headlines Triple-A Players of the Week after matching a personal best with 11 punchouts over 6 2/3 one-hit innings for @okc_dodgers.

🏆: https://t.co/sXYwtlzeLY pic.twitter.com/TyB3pYA69p

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) August 14, 2023

He struck out 14 over two starts last week, and only gave up 2 runs in 10.2 innings pitched. 

And in his start against Tacoma on August 13, Pepiot looked outstanding, only allowing 1 hit over 6.2 innings, and remaining perfect through six innings.

The Dodgers could really use him back in the rotation for the postseason push. Having depth in October has led to many teams going deep into the playoffs, and ultimately winning a title.

With the influx of young talent like Bobby Miller, and the Dodgers being able to expand their roster to 28 in September, it looks like Pepiot could slot right in without the Dodgers having to make any other moves as either the 27th or 28th player.

Although we haven't seen him all season, he shined last year for the Dodgers and was slated to make the Opening Day roster, so there's no doubt he can perform at the major league level as well.

And from what his past few starts in the minors have looked like, he should be ready to go pretty soon.

No. 10 @Dodgers prospect Ryan Pepiot carries a perfecto into the 6th for the @okc_dodgers:
6.2 IP
1 H
0 R
0 BB
11 K (T-career high) pic.twitter.com/jCJH8vouIw

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 13, 2023

Do you think the Dodgers should give him the call right now, or wait until rosters expand in September?