Rays changeup specialist Ryan Pepiot given Opening Day task after McClanahan injury

Rays ace Shane McClanahan will be sidelined for the forseeable future, so Kevin Cash had to decide who will replace the hard-throwing lefty on Opening Day. Each of the remaining five starting pitchers have the credentials to make this start against the Colorado Rockies, but only one must be chosen.

27-year old right-hander Ryan Pepiot will toe the rubber this coming Friday against the Rockies. The former LA Dodger is coming off of a solid year in his first full season as a big leaguer. The 6'3 hurler tossed 130 innings and produced a respectable 3.60 ERA. He also finished with an even 8-8 record in his 26 starts. The 2024 workhorse was one of the most consistent players in a difficult season for the Tampa Bay ball club. As they head into another campaign full of uncertainties, Pepiot will be leading the charge.

We wish McClanahan a speedy recovery, but Rays fans should feel confident in the depth of this pitching staff and their ability to carry the workload while their ace is on the shelf. Ryan Pepiot, in particular, definitely has what it takes to give this team a chance to win each time he pitches. In his last start of spring training, the Indiana native threw two scoreless innings, giving up just one walk against the formidable Yankees lineup.

Throughout the spring, Pepiot has held his own as he continues to prove his worth as an everyday starter for the Rays. In a total of six innings of work, the righty gave up only three runs and three walks, while punching out six opposing batters.

Pepiot is not necessarily known for racking up strikeouts, but when his changeup is located well, he can become a lethal pitcher. His best outing of 2024 came towards the end of the season against the Boston Red Sox. Pepiot threw six innings and struck out 12 hitters, while giving up only one run on two hits. We believe he has the ability to match that performance against the Rockies, especially with their battered lineup.

The Rays acquired Ryan Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca for Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot after the 2023 campaign. At the time, this deal seemed lopsided in favor of the Dodgers, but with Margot's struggles and Glasnow's injury, the Rays may have gotten the better end of the transaction. Jonny DeLuca will be the starting center fielder and Ryan Pepiot will now be the Opening Day starter, so Tampa Bay is definitely making the most of their end of the bargain.