BASEBALL: Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot to begin season on IL

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot will begin the season on the injured list with right hip inflammation, manager Kevin Cash confirmed Tuesday.

The 28-year-old right-hander was scheduled to start Tuesday's spring finale against the Atlanta Braves. Pepiot made three starts in spring training, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits over 10 innings while striking out seven and walking nine.

Pepiot will receive an injection to relieve discomfort in his hip and is not expected to miss significant time, according to MLB.com.

Last season, Pepiot went 11-12 with a 3.86 ERA in 31 starts for the Rays. Over his career, he is 24-21 with a 3.54 ERA in 74 games (67 starts) with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2022–23) and Tampa Bay. He has recorded 389 strikeouts and 141 walks in 376 innings pitched.

Tampa Bay will open the season on Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals. With Pepiot on the injured list, the Rays' starting rotation will include Drew Rasmussen, Joe Boyle, Steven Matz, Nick Martinez, and Shane McClanahan.

—Field Level Media/Reuters