Los Angeles Dodgers: Ryan Pepiot deserves promotion to Triple-A

The Los Angeles Dodgers have an embarrassment of riches in their minor league system. While their ability to spend on anyone they want in free agency garners attention, the Dodgers also have one of the best farm systems in the game. With their potential impact arms and position players, it is easy for a solid prospect to be lost in the shuffle.

Such is the case with Ryan Pepiot. He has been utterly dominant in Double-A thus far, to the point where he is almost untouchable any time he takes the mound.

Los Angeles Dodgers need to move Ryan Pepiot to Triple-A

Double-A Tulsa has been Pepiot’s personal playground this year. He has allowed just eight runs on 17 hits and 18 walks in his 41.2 innings, striking out 57 batters. Considering he needed only 77 pitches to fire 7+ no hit innings, it is clear that he is ready for the next challenge.

Standing at 6’3″ tall and weighing a listed 215 pounds, Pepiot does not exactly cut an imposing figure on the mound. However, his pure stuff changes that perception once he gets going, as he fires a riding fastball that sits in the mid 90s, as well as an improving slider and curve that could eventually be major league average offerings.

It is his changeup that is a true weapon. With an impressive degree of separation between his change and fastball velocity, as well as the type of screwball action that caused Devin Williams to burst onto the scene, Pepiot can make opposing hitters look utterly ridiculous in the batter’s box.

The biggest problem is his command. His crossfire delivery provides a good deal of deception, but can also cause him to lose the strike zone at times. It can also cause issues with his ability to find the grip for his pitches, leaving him with bouts of wildness. He has worked on staying back and finding more balance in his delivery, which has led to improvements in his command, but more work needs to be done for him to take that next step up the prospect ladder.

This does not mean he should not take the next step. His development can continue at Triple-A, as his dominance in Tulsa shows that he is ready for the challenge. If he can handle the competition at Triple-A, and show improved command, Pepiot could be a top 100 prospect by the end of the season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have an impressive farm system. Ryan Pepiot may be overlooked for now, but that is about to change.