Ryan Pepiot to Return After Knee Infection

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Ryan Pepiot is on track to rejoin the team's rotation later this week following a hospitalization due to a knee infection. The infection, believed to have stemmed from a spider bite he sustained while golfing during the All-Star break, led to his admission at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. Pepiot was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 19 after experiencing significant swelling in his right knee. The 26-year-old right-hander described his condition upon hospitalization, stating, “The first couple days, like, when I went into the hospital, it was real bad.” He struggled to walk and was unable to put weight on his leg due to the swelling and fluid buildup. However, Pepiot reported that the swelling has decreased, allowing him to resume pitching activities. Pepiot, who has a record of 6-5 with a 3.92 ERA in 17 starts this season, last took the mound for the Rays on July 14, delivering an impressive six-inning performance against the Cleveland Guardians. He was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in December as part of a trade involving Tyler Glasnow. After a brief stint with Double-A Montgomery, Pepiot rejoined the Rays to continue his rehabilitation. In light of his recent health scare, Pepiot plans to adjust his golfing attire, opting for pants instead of shorts to avoid further insect bites. “I’ll be wearing pants whenever I, like, do something outside,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of safety while enjoying the sport.