Pepiot ready to 'attack the rehab' after hip surgery; Williams back in Majors

ST. PETERSBURG – Four days after undergoing season-ending right hip surgery in Nashville, Tenn., Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot returned to the clubhouse Sunday and said he’s gearing up for a 100-percent return in 2027.

Pepiot said he will be on crutches for four weeks with 50-percent weight distribution, a much better initial outcome than he anticipated. He expects normal offseason preparation.

“I’m able to move around and put more weight on it, so it’s not too bad right now,” Pepiot said. “I’m at peace with it. We tried everything [before opting for surgery]. The anti-inflammatory and injection didn’t work. I’m just going to attack the rehab the best I can.”

Pepiot, the Rays’ Opening Day starter in 2025, has gone 19-20 with a 3.75 ERA in 57 starts over his previous two seasons with the club.

Williams returns to Rays
Rays infielder Carson Williams, the team’s top prospect entering the season and their Opening Day shortstop before getting sent down on April 6, was recalled Sunday from Triple-A Durham.

“Hopefully, I can help this ballclub out,” said Williams, who was scratched from Durham’s Saturday game at Gwinnett before catching a late-night flight to Tampa. “They’re doing great and I’m excited to be here.”

Williams went 3-for-23 (.130) with nine strikeouts in seven MLB games this season. At Durham, he batted .238 with five home runs and 21 RBIs in 32 games.

“It’s not pressure [to perform] any more,” Williams said. “It’s a will to win and a want to help the ballclub in any way they need. I’ve done a lot of work in Durham and there’s good, there’s bad. Honestly, it’s just about being consistent. Hopefully, I get a bunch of chances up here to help the team.

“I know I’m still young. When I went down, I knew I still had things to work out. So let’s get these sorted out. When I come back, I don’t want to go back [to Durham], obviously. So just keep making adjustments and keep getting better.”