Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — In the latest in what seems like a constant string of IL stints for the Dodgers’ pitching staff, it was announced today that pitcher David Price will be going on the 15-day Injured List. In his place prospect Ryan Pepiot will be recalled and will be doing the bulk duty on Sunday’s game with the Padres.
Price is in the midst of a pretty decent season for the Dodgers. After coming over to the team as part of the Mookie Betts trade in 2020, Price opted out of the Covid-shortened championship season. In 2021, his ERA as a spot starter and bullpen piece was over 4.00. But this year, working exclusively out of the pen, Price has been an effective left-hander for middle leverage situations. In 38 innings of work, Price is 2-0 with a 2.58 ERA and one save. He’s been especially good of late; in August, his ERA for the month was just 1.50, giving up only two solo home runs over 12 appearances.
However, according to Dodger manager Dave Roberts, Price has been dealing with wrist inflammation all year, but that the injury was not expected to be season ending.
Pepiot, who takes his roster spot at least temporarily, has been a fairly consistent spot starter for the club. He’s made 7 starts for the team, and has posted a 2-0 record with a 4.02 ERA. The problems that he’s run into in his time up in the show have been two: control and giving up the long ball. He’s walked 22 hitters over 31.1 innings and surrendered 6 home runs at the big league level. Both those numbers need to come down for him to be successful on the Dodgers. And while Pepiot doesn’t figure into the team’s postseason plans this year, having him around to paper over all the injuries sustained by starters has been invaluable.
