In a game against the New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot had to leave the field in the second inning due to a lower left leg bruise. The incident occurred when he was struck by a 107.5 mph line drive hit by Starling Marte.
Fortunately, X-rays revealed no significant damage, providing some relief to the team and fans. Despite the impact, Pepiot displayed resilience by getting back on his feet after falling to the ground. However, as a precautionary measure, he was taken out of the game after throwing a few warm-up pitches.
Pepiot, who boasts a record of 3-2 with a 3.68 ERA in seven starts, has been a valuable asset to the Rays since being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade involving Tyler Glasnow. His recent performance has been particularly impressive, with a 2-0 record and a stellar 1.00 ERA over his last three starts.
During the game in question, Pepiot struggled, conceding three runs and three hits in just two-plus innings of play. Despite this setback, his overall contributions to the team have been noteworthy, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt in the rotation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks that pitchers face on the mound, where split-second decisions can have significant consequences. The Rays will be monitoring Pepiot's recovery closely, hoping for a swift return to form for the talented right-hander.
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