2016 Dodgers review: Nick Tepesch

If anything, Nick Tepesch in 2016 for the Dodgers served as a literal example of replacement level.

What went right

The Dodgers signed Tepesch, who made 39 starts for the Rangers in 2013-2014 but missed all of 2015 with elbow injuries, to a minor league deal on June 6, in desperate need of starting pitching depth with several injuries to major and minor league pitchers and with those rehabbing still a few weeks from being ready to return.

Tepesch was immediately effective, winning all three starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City, putting up a 2.00 ERA with 17 strikeouts and three walks in 18 innings. That included eight strikeouts in eight strong innings at New Orleans on June 17.

The Dodgers were in need of a starting pitcher for their series opener in Pittsburgh on June 24, and with Frankie Montas sidelined again with another rib injury Tepesch got the call for the spot start.

What went wrong

The start did not go well for Tepesch, who allowed five runs on seven hits in four innings in an 8-6 loss to the Pirates.

The right-hander was designated for assignment one day later, then claimed off waivers by the A’s on June 27, ending his brief time with the Dodgers.

2016 particulars

Age: 27

Stats: 1 start, 11.25 ERA, 4 IP, 5 runs, 3 K, 0 BB

Salary: $507,500, of which Tepesch earned a pro-rated share, roughly $8,000.

Game of the year

Tepesch appeared in just the one game in the majors, so we’ll note that he struck out three and walked none in his four innings.

Roster status

Tepesch moved on to a fourth 2016 organization when the Royals claimed him off waivers in July, and he concluded his season with Triple-A Omaha. Tepesch, who was sent outright to the minors by the Royals in September, elected free agency after the season.