Dodgers' roster move right before the All-Star break brings back forgotten promising pitcher

The Los Angeles Dodgers have an embarrassment of riches in their farm system. Remember, this is the same team that employed All-Star Justin Wrobleski in a back-end starting pitcher role! It's why when pundits say the Dodgers can afford anyone at the MLB trade deadline, they mean ANYONE.

Los Angeles' most recent roster move prior to the All-Star Break is easy to overlook, but really shouldn't be. Landon Knack, a former top-five prospect in the Dodgers farm system, is back in the bigs.

Knack had been vying for an Opening Day roster spot, but suffered an oblique injury in spring training that set him back and then some. The 28-year-old has missed more than half the season. After making three rehab appearances in Triple-A, Knack reached back for 63 pitches in his most recent outing.

The length of his outings could come in handy for the Dodgers, as they've employed a six-man rotation all year long. Knack could be a threat to pitch in bullpen games, but first he'll have to earn his keep.

To make room for Knack on the active roster, the Dodgers moved Kyle Hurt to Oklahoma City and DFA'd Charlie Barnes. Hurt is a good bet to eventually make his way back onto the Dodgers big-league roster, as he started in place of Shohei Ohtani late last week.

However, in his last two outings, Hurt has given up six runs in just over five innings. He threw a career-high 36 pitches for the Dodgers over the weekend, which means he was unlikely to be available for Los Angeles coming out of the break anyway.

As for Barnes, this is the second time this season he has been DFA'd. Barnes has an ERA over seven in just three appearance with the Dodgers big-league squad. Assuming he clears waivers, Barnes can be re-assigned to Oklahoma City.

Knack is still a relative unknown — he's made just 26 appearances in three seasons, and missed extensive time due to injuries — but he's worth a shot over what can only be described as subpar relief help.

Landon Knack is a Dodgers top prospect who never got his chance

Knack had a 3.65 ERA in 2024. That wasn't all that long ago, and the Dodgers need arms. Yes, Ohtani can pitch every sixth day, but he also had to get his knee drained recently. Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, while considered postseason threats, remain on the injured list. Add in Edwin Diaz, who is expected to return in the second half, and you have a lot of uncertainty.

The good news on Knack's front is the Dodgers have an immediate need, whether it be in the bullpen or for a spot start. The bad news is once many of these pitchers come back, Knack could find himself on the outside looking in.

There is also the slim chance Knack uses the time between his first appearance and the deadline to shine. In that case, he could be a possible trade candidate, as the Dodgers are shopping for upgrades in the rotation, bullpen and elsewhere. Either way, Knack received the opportunity he desperately needed.

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