After sweeping the Chicago Cubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers dropped the opening game of a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday. The loss ended their six-game winning streak, as well as a 16-game winning streak against the Pirates. Such games are bound to happen, especially in an early game after a long flight.
During the next couple of games, the Dodgers may be moving some pitchers around. Dodger pitching has been stellar so far this season, as they rank first in team ERA at 2.19, and have also allowed the fewest hits in the league as a team with 169.
The latest pitcher who may be on the move is veteran left hander David Price. The former Cy Young winner came over to L.A. in the Mookie Betts trade in early 2020. Price opted out of the 2020 covid shortened season due to health concerns, and pitched out of the bullpen and made a few spot starts in 2021.
Per MLB insider Peter Gammons, the Dodgers could look to deal Price to a team where he would have the opportunity to start again. Price has made several appearances this season, posting a 1.93 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. He has been on the injured list since April 24, but the 36-year-old southpaw looks to be a serviceable starter on a team that gives him the chance to do so.
It appears as Price may be just one of the odd men out in this deep roster.
The last game of the three game series on Wednesday morning has potential to be a memorable one. While the Dodgers have not announced anything yet officially, all signs point to most likely Ryan Pepiot getting the call up for his first Major League start. Dodger manager Dave Roberts has alluded to Pepiot getting the ball, but also didn’t rule possibly right hander Andre Jackson starting.
After playing a doubleheader in Chicago, the Dodgers were in need of an extra spot start.
Dodger fans have great reason to be excited if Pepiot gets the ball. The 24 year old right hander was a third round pick back in the 2019 MLB draft, and is the sixth-highest ranked prospect in the Dodger organization and the second-highest pitching prospect.
In 2022, Peipot made six starts, posting a 2.05 ERA. He struck out 36 batters in only 26 ⅓ innings, and held opponents to a .189 batting average. In 2019 when Pepiot was still at Butler University, he set the record for most strikeouts in a single season with 126.
Where Pepiot makes his mark however is his changeup. His changeup is thought of very highly and many pundits have said it is the best offspeed offering in the minors. Pepiot, if given the ball, will look to make a standing impression, perhaps earning a multi-inning reliever role or some sort of permanent role with the big league club.
Before we get to Wednesday, there is still a game to be played Tuesday, as the Dodgers will look to even the series. Tony Gonsolin, who like much of Dodger pitching has been great this season, has posted a 1.64 ERA so far. He will face Pittsburgh right hander Bryse Wilson, who’s 0-1 with a 3.79 ERA.
Tuesday’s first pitch is scheduled for 3:35 p.m. Pacific.
Think Blue Planning Committee 
If the Dodgers thought he was worthy Price would get the start tomorrow. Isn’t that why he’s here?
The Dodgers will get exactly what they think Price is worth in return for him.
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I’m guessing Andrew would be happy to save 2-3 million on Price’s contract and ship him to anyone who would be willing to absorb that and let us pay the rest.
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Salary dump. We don’t need to do that. Just release him.
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Send him back to the AL. He can still help someone. No need blocking young guys who are ready.
On a different subject, I like Dontrelle Willis doing analysis so far. Does anyone else think he sounds a bit like Denzel Washington?
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They are not going to just release the guy. They might eat most of his salary, but they are not going to just dump him. Pepiot pitches tomorrow. SHould be interesting. Angel rookie Detmer pitches a no hitter.
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I still say they won’t get much for him. Since they don’t need to try to save money it’s possible they would do the honorable things and let him go pitch where he wants to, as long as it’s in the AL.
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No they probably would not, but they just won’t dump that salary either. Elfin DFA’d. No surprise there.
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If Pepiot can make that change look like a strike he could certainly take Price’s place. Maybe some team could use a 3 inning pitcher and take on a few of that $16 million.
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