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 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.”

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.