Tampa Bay Rays starter Ryan Pepiot will begin the season on the injured list with right hip inflammation, manager Kevin Cash confirmed Tuesday.
The 28-year-old right-hander had been scheduled to start Tuesday’s spring finale against the Atlanta Braves. Pepiot made three starts in spring training, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits in 10 innings while striking out seven and issuing nine walks.
Pepiot will receive an injection to alleviate discomfort in his hip and is not expected to miss a significant amount of time, per MLB.com.
Pepiot was 11-12 with a 3.86 ERA in 31 starts last season for the Rays. He is 24-21 with a 3.54 ERA in 74 career games (67 starts) with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2022-23) and Rays. He has struck out 389 batters and walked 141 in 376 innings.
Tampa Bay visits the St. Louis Cardinals for Opening Day on Thursday.
With Pepiot on the IL, the Rays’ rotation to start the season will feature Drew Rasmussen, Joe Boyle, Steven Matz, Nick Martinez and Shane McClanahan.
