UPDATE (June 20, 4 p.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers are recalling Landon Knack from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start against the Los Angeles Angels in Friday’s game at Dodger Stadium.
The Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation has been thrown into some flux this week with Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Walker Buehler both being placed on the 15-day injured list.
Yamamoto was sidelined by a right rotator cuff strain, while Buehler’s injury is right hip inflammation. Buehler going on the IL corresponded with Bobby Miller getting activated for his start on Wednesday.
It was only a handful of days ago that manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers were planning on temporarily utilizing a six-man starting rotation once Miller returned. Now, the team finds itself short one starter.
Because of that and in line with wanting to provide their pitchers with extra rest, Roberts revealed the Dodgers are planning to have a spot starter in the Freeway Series opener on Friday, via SportsNet LA:
“Friday, we’re going to insert someone. We have an off day on Sunday, interestingly enough, so that will allow for the extra day (of rest) for everyone else. We haven’t decided who that guy is yet or how we’re going to do it, but outside of that it should be status quo since Bobby is back.”
While the Dodgers are mulling their options for the weekend, the schedule provides them with a break in the form of upcoming off days. The first is on Sunday, and the Dodgers also have off days on June 27 and July 1.
Dodgers spot starter candidates
Landon Knack last pitched on Sunday for Triple-A Oklahoma City. He has made four starts for the Dodgers this season and been plenty effective. In 20.2 innings at the Major League level, Knack has a 2.61 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and held opponents to a .189 batting average.
He also has prior experience as a spot starter for the Dodgers, with the last one coming on May 19 against the Cincinnati Reds.
If the Dodgers decide against needing to make a roster move in order for Knack to start, they conceivably could go with an opener and bullpen game.
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