Dodgers Injury News: Ryan Pepiot and Noah Syndergaard Progressing in MiLB Rehab Assignments

The Dodgers have some good news. Both Ryan Pepiot and Noah Syndergaard are working themselves back to the major leagues.

With a little luck, the duo can be a big boost while the front office assesses its plans for the starting rotation and the trade deadline.

Friday night, Syndergaard made his second rehab start in Oklahoma City. He went 5 innings and tried to pitch the sixth but gave up 4 straight hits that led to 3 runs. He threw 77 pitches, 58 strikes. He allowed 6 hits but struck out only 2 while walking none. His top velocity was 93 mph.

In 12 starts with the Dodgers, Syndergaard had 1 win and 4 losses with a 7.16 ERA so far this season. His return to the big league roster isn't as clear cut as making it through his rehab assignment healthy. He's essentially pitching for a job.

As for Pepiot, the rookie earned a spot in the Dodger starting rotation out of spring training, but in his last exhibition start, he suffered an oblique strain that has cost him the entire season up to this point.

Here's a good look at Ryan Pepiot from behind home plate from tonight. He gave up a couple HRs, but threw FB as high as 95, change was in the zone more than 50% & both had close to 40% whiff rates. And, came out healthy, so, all in all, things looking up on this front. #dodgers pic.twitter.com/gRucm6nzmm
— Dodgers Daily (@dodger_daily) July 21, 2023

He didn’t pick up a baseball until June. He made a rehab start with impressive stuff. His fastball was as fast as 95, and he threw his changeup for strikes. If Pepiot can return to the major leagues in 2023, he will help the Dodgers.

Everyone knows the Dodgers need starting pitching. While Clayton Kershaw is scheduled to return in early August, both Julio Urías and Tony Gonsolin didn’t perform well in their starts this week. Both Bobby Miller and Emmet Sheehan are having growing pains in the Dodger starting rotation.

Since the Dodgers are hated around the major leagues, the prices for starting pitching help will be high at the trading deadline. Perhaps, both Brandon Gomes and Andrew Friedman will balk at the prices.

The Dodgers need Pepiot and Syndergaard to perform at a high level in the big leagues.