The Los Angeles Dodgers dropped the opener of their three-game series against the Atlanta Braves behind the worst start of Landon Knack’s big league career.
The right-hander took his fourth loss of the season after allowing five runs and seven hits with two strikeouts against two walks in just two innings pitched.
Given the state of the Dodgers’ pitching staff, Knack could play an important role in October. He is likely competing with Bobby Miller for the final spot in the rotation.
Manager Dave Roberts said that one poor outing won’t factor into the Dodgers’ plans and is looking forward to Knack’s next start, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I don’t think it weighs into our decision at all,” Roberts said. “I look forward to his next start. I don’t think as far as the postseason or any outings going forward, this is affected.”
Knack rejoined the Dodgers earlier this month amid a flurry of injuries to the starting rotation and will continue receiving opportunities going forward.
The 27-year-old has pitched to a 2-4 record with a 3.70 ERA, 5.00 FIP and 1.09 WHIP in 56 innings over 12 appearances at the Major League level this season (10 starts).
Knack went into his outing against the Braves with a 2.78 ERA as a starting pitcher, which ranked among the top 15 in MLB. Although he struggled in Atlanta, Knack has proven to be a consistent option for the Dodgers, and it sounds like the club fully expects him to bounce back.
Landon Knack unlikely to be optioned
The Dodgers have optioned Knack back to the Minors five separate times this season, which is the maximum number allowed per year under the collective bargaining agreement.
However, one of Knack’s options came after the Dodgers opened the season in South Korea with the Seoul Series.
MLB allowed for an exception to be made with players on the respective Dodgers and San Diego Padres rosters, so that being optioned after being part of the Seoul Series did not count toward the annual limit of five.
There was some thought that Knack could be optioned before the end of the season, but that is considered unlikely now in the wake of Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw unlikely to pitch again.
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