Landon Knack has not had a significant number of opportunities with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he’s certainly impressed when given the chance.
That was until the right-hander turned in his worst start of the season, allowing five runs on seven hits in just two innings against the Atlanta Braves on Sept. 13.
Despite the rough outing, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Knack would keep getting chances and that would not affect their decision on his standing for the postseason roster.
Knack was back on the mound five days later and bounced back in a big way. The right-hander tossed five scoreless innings against the Miami Marlins on Sept. 18 while giving up just two hits and striking out seven.
It was certainly an encouraging to see a young pitcher bounce back rather than let things spiral, and it may have cemented his position on the postseason roster.
When Dave Roberts was asked about if Knack would be in their playoff plans, the manager gave a positive outlook on the right-hander’s chance to be with the club in October, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I think so,” Roberts said. “You know what – he’s gonna get a couple more opportunities. I just really like the way he has an arsenal that can get different hitters out. He really commands the baseball. I just like the confidence that he’s exuding on the mound. So yeah, when you look out, look forward, he’s certainly really in the mix.”
Knack has only made 11 starts for the Dodgers this season, but he’s appeared in 13 games. He’s tossed 61 innings while posting a 3.39 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 61 strikeouts to just 17 walks.
He’s had some trouble limiting the home run ball, giving up an average of 1.77 per nine innings, but overall, he’s been able to limit hitters to a .209 batting average in total.
Knack’s postseason roster case is also helped by the numerous injuries to the Dodgers’ pitching staff, which includes Tyler Glasnow out for the season and Gavin Stone likely following the same fate.
Clayton Kershaw is also on the 15-day injured list and remains a question for when he can return.
Landon Knack’s postseason role for the Dodgers
The Dodgers will need two starters after Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jack Flaherty for their October rotation. Kershaw could fill one of those spots potentially, while Knack and Walker Buehler are in the mix for another spot.
Knack could also fill a bullpen role, potentially piggybacking with Kershaw, who is likely to be limited if he returns.
Regardless of how he’s used, Knack should have a notable role on their October roster.
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