The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Edwin Díaz off the 15-day injured list and optioned Landon Knack to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Knack joined the roster on Thursday in place of Bobby Miller as the Dodgers needed to fill innings for what was their second straight bullpen game.
Knack took over in the fifth inning and provided the club with four shutout innings while allowing just four hits and striking out two hitters to earn his first win of the season.
It was his third stint with the Dodgers this year, and he has filled a similar role each time. The right-hander has pitched to a 3.86 ERA across 11.2 innings with a 1.20 WHIP and eight strikeouts this year.
Knack was among their pitchers who began the 2026 season on the injured list and wasn’t activated until July 11.
Edwin Díaz back with Dodgers in new role
Díaz rejoins the Dodgers after nearly five weeks on the IL due to what the club described as neck inflammation.
Díaz owns an 11.85 ERA and 2.56 WHIP to go along with four blown saves in 11 opportunities after signing a large contract to take over as the Dodgers’ new closer.
He has dealt with numerous injuries this year and has been searching for his mechanics and consistency with his pitches when he’s been healthy.
The latest rehab assignment for Díaz wasn’t particularly good, but his last outing was his best when he worked a scoreless inning with just one hit allowed.
He now finds himself returning in a low-leverage role. “You have the earn the right of opportunities, but then also you’ve got to perform,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
The right-hander will need to earn not just his closer role back, but also a spot on the postseason roster.
“We have to go with our best pitchers as far as performance, talent, all that stuff,” Roberts said. “My bet is he will be (included on the roster), but again, there’s got to be some kind of evidence or something for us to bet on. My bet is yes, but we’ve still got to see something.”
Prior to this season, Díaz was a model of consistency as one of the top closers in MLB over the last few years. The Dodgers are hoping he can show that again in this one last opportunity before the playoffs begin.
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