Rays' Ryan Pepiot frustrated by delay in recovery from hip issue

Ryan Pepiot understands the confusion and frustration Rays fans may be having over his status.

He feels it, too.

What initially was considered a minor late-spring issue with right hip inflammation that might force him to miss a couple of starts is now having a major impact on his season, sidelining him until at least late May, with no set return date.

"I thought it was a whole lot of nothing (at the time). I think we all did," Pepiot said Tuesday. "It's just kind of not (being able to) bounce back or still feeling things. It's a weird one. It's tough, because I can walk around and I can do things, and I feel like I'm fine.

"Then I get to do my job, and I physically am struggling to do that. So, obviously it's frustrating, and I'm getting frustrated when I'm out there because I'm trying to do what I know how to do. I've thrown thousands and thousands of pitches. I know where my body's supposed to be, and to be able to execute something, get in the zone. And not being able to do that, it's hard."

After the initial planned rest, treatment and rehab didn't alleviate the issue, Pepiot last week went to see hip specialist Dr. Thomas Byrd. He received a cortisone shot on April 13 and was given a similar program.

Pepiot played catch for the first time on Monday. Though manager Kevin Cash's frank assessment - Pepiot had "a bad day" with the hip feeling unstable - didn't sound encouraging, Pepiot said he wasn't that concerned, figuring the medicine needs more to take effect.

"Last week was a pretty relatively easy week for me, just to let (the cortisone) do its work," he said. "Obviously, I'm very nitpicky on how I'm feeling and all that stuff. (Monday) wasn't great. I played catch to 60 feet and didn't feel 100%, but it's as to be expected. I got an injection a week ago. It's still got to work its time. We've got to clear out the inflammation.

"I've thrown a lot of innings on my legs, just have some normal wear and tear and everything. But it's just go out every day, kind of take it day by day and see how my body's feeling, how I'm reacting and just continue on the program."

Pepiot said he will play catch again Wednesday and hopes to feel better. His status and next step will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, as will whether he'll be ready to be reinstated from the 60-day injured list by his May 24 eligibility date.

"It's hard to put a timetable on it," he said.

Martinez to face old mates

Right-hander Nick Martinez says he has plenty of friends in the Reds lineup after pitching for them the last two seasons.

That will add an extra edge to his start against them in Wednesday's matinee series finale.

"(It) adds another layer to the pitching game, more of a cat-and-mouse (game)," Martinez said. "Obviously, it should be a lot of fun. (Tyler Stephenson) has caught me a bunch. They've seen me play now for a couple years. So, it adds for an extra level of excitement."

Martinez acknowledged the level of familiarity the Reds have with him but said he won't stray far from his usual game plan.

Miscellany

DH Yandy Diaz rapped his 911th hit as a Ray, moving past BJ Upton into fourth place on the all-time franchise list. ... The clubhouse crew had the balls from reliever Trevor Martin's first big-league pitch and first strikeout in his locker right after his Monday debut. ... Tuesday was Women in Sports Day at the Trop, in which the team recognized the impact and achievements of women throughout the game and in the community. ... Director of game presentation Kat Lucas was honored as the Rays' winner of MLB's Katy Feeney Leadership Award. ... Pepiot on Tuesday sported a Nick Paul jersey in support of the Lightning's playoff push.

• • •

Sign up for our Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.

Every weekday, tune into our Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast to hear reporter Rick Stroud break down the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports.

Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on X and Facebook.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 5:17 PM.