The Los Angeles Dodgers continued to reshape their pitching staff on Wednesday, recalling right-hander Landon Knack from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioning right-hander Seth Halvorsen in a corresponding move. Los Angeles has won 3 of the last 4 games and will look to sweep the Kansas City Royals tonight. According to Doc’s Baseball Picks, the Dodgers are -145 moneyline favorites with Brad Lauer set to start against Daniel Lynch IV.
Knack returns for his second Major League stint of the season and will be in uniform and available against the Royals tonight. The Dodgers needed a pitcher who could cover innings as the club manages a busy August schedule and a changing group of available arms.
The move adds another layer to a staff that has relied on roster flexibility. Knack offers a different look from a traditional one-inning reliever because of his experience as both a starter and a long man. The 29-year-old has appeared in two games for Los Angeles this season and allowed five runs in five innings. He found better results with Oklahoma City, going 2-0 with a 2.60 ERA across five appearances, including four starts.
Knack Adds Needed Length
The Los Angeles Dodgers have used Knack as a starter and reliever during his three seasons in the organization. He has pitched in 27 career Major League games, making 19 starts. That background gives manager Dave Roberts another option if a starter leaves early, a game goes into extra innings, or the bullpen absorbs a heavy workload over consecutive nights.
Knack does not need to fill a set late-inning role to help the club. He can enter in the middle innings and stabilize a game. He can also protect shorter relievers from unnecessary workload in a lopsided score.
That versatility matters in August. Teams must weigh more than a reliever’s season totals when setting a daily bullpen. Recent pitch counts, consecutive appearances, upcoming matchups, and starter availability all affect roster choices.
The Dodgers have kept that flexibility at the center of several recent pitching transactions. Knack’s return gives Roberts a pitcher who can handle multiple innings without forcing the club to use several short-relief options.
Halvorsen Returns To Oklahoma City
Halvorsen’s Dodgers tenure lasted one game. The 26-year-old made his club debut Tuesday night against the Kansas City Royals, entering in the 10th inning. He threw a scoreless frame and earned the win in Los Angeles’ extra-inning victory.
The Dodgers had recalled Halvorsen on Aug. 10 after acquiring him from the Colorado Rockies earlier this season. Before joining Los Angeles, he made 21 appearances for Colorado in 2026 and posted a 4.74 ERA.
Halvorsen brings a live arm and Major League experience to the organization’s depth chart. His option does not end his chance to contribute later this month. A need created by injury, a taxed bullpen, or another roster adjustment could bring him back quickly.
For now, Knack’s ability to provide length appears to better fit the Dodgers’ immediate need. The decision reflects a situational roster calculation, not a final judgment on Halvorsen after one appearance.
Dodgers Continue Pitching Shuffle
The Knack-Halvorsen swap followed a string of pitching moves. Los Angeles activated left-hander Blake Snell from the 60-day injured list on Aug. 11. The club also transferred right-hander Blake Treinen from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL because of right elbow inflammation.
Earlier in the week, the Dodgers optioned left-hander Charlie Barnes to Oklahoma City, designated right-hander Jonathan Hernández for assignment, and returned right-hander Kyle Hurt to Triple-A. Each move underscored the need to maintain sufficient coverage during staff changes.
Tyler Glasnow, Gavin Stone, and Bobby Miller have recently joined Minor League affiliates on rehabilitation assignments. Their progress could give the Dodgers more options in the coming weeks, but it also requires the club to create room and manage workloads carefully.
The Dodgers close their series against the Royals at Dodger Stadium after winning the first two games. Tuesday’s extra-inning win gave Halvorsen his first decision with the club before Wednesday’s roster change.
Roster moves in August can look routine. They often shape how a team survives a demanding stretch and prepares for October. Knack gives the Dodgers a proven multi-inning option on the active roster, while Halvorsen remains available at Triple-A if another opening develops.
