Unfazed Pepiot encourages Cash in debut with Rays

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot said he was “a little bit nervous’’ as he headed to the mound for Wednesday’s Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays at TD Ballpark.

“Putting on a different uniform for the first time in a game setting,’’ Pepiot said, “but when I got out there, I just took a deep breath and let the game come to me.’’

Pepiot, acquired from the Dodgers in the offseason trade for Tyler Glasnow, looked very much at home during his two-inning, 35-pitch scoreless stint in a 3-2 defeat against the Jays.

Pepiot surrendered three singles, but also collected three strikeouts. Justin Turner went down swinging on a 94 mph fastball in the first. Davis Schneider and Bo Bichette were frozen on a strike-three changeup and fastball, respectively. Pepiot also had two walks.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Pepiot’s outing was “inconsistent,’’ but he was encouraged because the second inning was better than the first.

“I feel very comfortable here and everyone has made it very clear they are here to help,’’ Pepiot said. “Guys started reaching out right away. They’ve always invited me to do stuff. It’s a good situation.’’

• Pepiot's goal for 2024: 'Just keep going'

Pepiot said that extends to working with Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder. They had extended one-on-one chats during the offseason, and “it was about everything but baseball. Travel, family stuff, you name it. That made it even easier to be here.’’

Obviously, in the minds of fans, Pepiot will always be associated with Glasnow because of the trade. Pepiot said he doesn’t feel added pressure to produce, but he expressed admiration for Glasnow’s Rays legacy -- on and off the field.

“I know that he was a very well-liked guy,’’ Pepiot said. “He was a good clubhouse guy and good in the community. I’d love to do the same. I like to have fun in the clubhouse with the guys and hanging out outside the field, and I’ll do whatever I can to help in the community.’’

Once Pepiot gets fully settled in, Cash said he doesn’t expect any long-term comparisons with Glasnow.

“[Pepiot] doesn’t seem too fazed by that,’’ Cash said. “When your name is attached to a big-name pitcher like Tyler, it’s easy to come up with that [comparison]. But Ryan is a guy who has done a lot of good things through the Minor Leagues.

“Kyle [Snyder] said the consistency is what stood out [with Pepiot]. You can layer every bullpen over the other bullpen. They’re all the same with the numbers and metrics. So that’s really encouraging for a young pitcher.’’

Chang injured
In the third inning, shortstop Yu Chang was removed during his at-bat after suffering a left oblique injury during his swing.

“It was kind of unfortunate,’’ Cash said. “He’s going to miss some time. He grabbed it pretty good. We’ll get treatment for him and go from there. Generally, these things are tricky. You never know … three weeks, six weeks, eight weeks? Not sure.’’

Rosario starts in right
Newly acquired Amed Rosario, better known as an established shortstop, started in right field. Although Rosario hasn’t played much outfield in the Majors, he will have a versatile role with the Rays.

“We’re trying not to run [infielders] into the ground, because we want them to be good [and fresh],’’ Cash said. “We also want to see what [Rosario] is capable of doing in the outfield. I know it’s only a handful of games, but he has worked hard.

• Rosario willing to play wherever Rays need him

“We’ve all made it pretty clear. It’s a huge benefit to be able to go out there and contribute in the outfield. I looked at [Jose] Siri and said, ‘Hey, if it goes out to right-center,’ you just say, ‘Take it! Take it!’ He could be running in circles a little bit.’’

It didn’t take long for action. On the first pitch to a Blue Jays batter, Bichette lifted a fly ball to Rosario. After a second-inning leadoff walk to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Turner lifted a bloop to right that seemed to deceive Rosario. It fell in front of Rosario, who quickly threw to second for a forceout of the sliding Guerrero.

“I won’t pass too much judgment on the first few games, but overall, I thought he looked good,’’ Cash said.

Siri wants 30 steals (at least)
In the second inning, Jose Siri stole second base off Blue Jays starter Paolo Espino, then stole third on the next pitch.

“Last year, I focused on the home-run hitting [with 25], and last year with the rule changes, I stole a few bases [12],’’ Siri said through team interpreter Manny Navarro. “Now I want to be aggressive and not have the fear [of being thrown out]. I’m trying to steal more bases and focus on that.’’

Siri said his goal is 30 stolen bases -- at least. How about a 30-30 season?

“You never know,’’ Siri said.

“He’s very confident when he gets on base,’’ Cash said. “That confidence is very instinctive. That’s a quality of the elite baserunners and base-stealers.’’