Pepiot’s latest setback followed a weekend bullpen session in which he told manager Kevin Cash he didn’t feel like himself. He subsequently received a cortisone injection in Nashville to help manage the pain, further delaying his comeback.
Despite Pepiot’s absence, the Rays’ rotation has remained effective. The group owns a 3.42 ERA and has limited opponents to a .178 batting average. Ace Shane McClanahan has returned to form with a sub-4.00 ERA, and veterans Steven Matz and Nick Martinez have contributed alongside Drew Rasmussen.
Pepiot’s recovery will require a careful ramp-up. He hasn’t faced live hitters since spring and won’t be ready to pitch effectively right away, as he nears two months on the shelf following his March 17 outing. When he returns, he will need time to build back to a full starter workload.
For context, Pepiot came to Tampa Bay in 2023 as part of the Tyler Glasnow trade and has shown promise across two seasons with a 3.75 ERA. He’s not eligible for free agency until 2029, giving the Rays a young, controllable option as they navigate Pepiot’s absence.
The Rays sit atop the American League East at 9-7, and the timing of Grove’s eventual big-league debut alongside Pepiot’s full return will shape how manager Kevin Cash deploys his staff. With Pepiot sidelined, Tampa Bay has leaned on depth, and the upcoming weeks will determine how quickly that depth converts into sustained rotation stability.
