Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki are just the start: All of Dodgers' 2025 starting rotation options
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a treasure trove of starting pitchers for the 2025 MLB season. Let's break down all of their options.FEBRUARY 22
LANDON KNACK
Saves Dodgers bullpen Knack gave the Dodgers four innings in bulk relief in Tuesday's Game 4 loss to the Yankees, allowing one run on two hits and a walk, striking out two.
Impact The Dodgers found themselves down 5-2 after Daniel Hudson allowed Anthony Volpe's grand slam in the third inning, so Knack's four innings allowed manager Dave Roberts his remaining high-leverage relievers. Knack could be in contention for a fifth starter's role or a bulk reliever role in 2025.
OCTOBER 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Alexander: Dodgers' Landon Knack, Brent Honeywell thrown into playoff cauldron LOS ANGELES - This is a new experience to guys like Landon Knack and Brent Honeywell. The excitement...
OCTOBER 15, 2024 • SACBEE.COM
In line for bulk relief in Game 2 Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Knack will serve as a bulk reliever Tuesday in Game 2 of the NLCS versus the Mets, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Impact Ryan Brasier will be the opener for the Dodgers, with Knack in line to record "most of the outs," per Roberts. Knack made one one-inning relief appearance during the NLDS against the Padres but operated as either a traditional starter or bulk reliever in all 15 of his appearances during the regular season, collecting a 3.65 ERA and 69:18 K:BB over 69 frames.
OCTOBER 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Yields one run as bulk reliever Knack allowed a run on five hits and struck out four without walking a batter over four innings in a no-decision versus the Rockies on Sunday.
Impact Knack worked behind an opener Sunday, likely in preparation for his role during the postseason. The 27-year-old was a little shaky in September, yielding 12 runs over 21 innings across five appearances, though he had a 25:6 K:BB in that span. Overall, he put together a strong rookie year with a 3.65 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 69:18 K:BB across 69 innings over 15 appearances (12 starts).
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Following opener Knack is set to follow Anthony Banda in Sunday's game in Colorado, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
Impact Plunkett notes that this could foreshadow how the Dodgers will use Knack in the postseason. Knack has a 5.14 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 23 strikeouts in 21 innings over his last five appearances and will make his final appearance of his rookie season in Coors Field.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Ineffective in loss Knack (3-5) took the loss Tuesday against Padres, allowing four runs on five hits and a walk while striking out four in four innings.
Impact Knack was hit pretty hard in this one, allowing a second inning two-run homer to Jake Cronenworth and then a pair of doubles and a single in the fourth, which led to another two runs. Knack has allowed four home runs and owns a 5.82 ERA across four starts in September and is set for an unattractive matchup against the Rockies at Coors Field over the weekend.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Impressive in bounce-back effort Knack (3-4) earned the win over Miami on Wednesday, allowing two hits and issuing two walks while striking out seven batters over five scoreless innings.
Impact Knack struggled mightily in his previous start, surrendering five runs in just two innings against Atlanta. He bounced back with an excellent performance Wednesday, racking up seven punchouts while limiting the Marlins to just two hits (both singles). Knack's strong outing may have implications beyond this contest, as he's in consideration for a spot in Los Angeles' initial postseason rotation given the likely unavailability of Clayton Kershaw (toe), Tyler Glasnow (elbow) and Gavin Stone (shoulder).
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Shellacked in loss Knack (2-4) took the loss Friday against Atlanta, allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks over two innings. He struck out two.
Impact After collecting his second quality start in his last outing, Knack stumbled out the gate in this contest, allowing three hits and one run in the first inning. Things didn't get better for the 27-year-old in the second, as he gave up four runs on four hits -- including two homers -- before exiting after 64 pitches. Knack should continue to hold a rotation spot despite this lackluster performance given the myriad of injuries plaguing Dodgers pitchers. He currently projects to face a much easier opponent, the Marlins, on the road for his next start.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Dodgers News: Despite Loss,Dave Roberts Hails Landon Knack's Stellar Performance Dodgers’ Dave Roberts praised rookie Landon Knack after a strong outing despite a loss.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM
Dodgers News: Landon Knack dazzles in return to mound despite Dodgers falling to Guardians Landon Knack dazzles in return with strong six-inning performance despite Dodgers’ loss.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM
Does well in loss Knack (2-3) allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out eight over six innings, taking the loss Friday versus the Guardians.
Impact Knack was called up to fill a spot in the Dodgers' downtrodden rotation while Clayton Kershaw (toe) and Gavin Stone (shoulder) are out of action. This was Knack's first big-league game since Aug. 13, and he was able to limit the Guardians to a two-run home run by Andres Gimenez in the sixth inning. Through 11 appearances (nine starts), Knack has given up more than two runs just twice. He's at a 3.00 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 52:13 K:BB through 54 innings. He'll likely get at least one more start, which is tentatively projected to be at Atlanta, though Knack could stick around longer if the Dodgers decide he's performed better than Bobby Miller.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Landon Knack can't catch a break as Dodgers' NL West lead shrinks to 4 LOS ANGELES - Landon Knack has been a human life preserver for the Los Angeles Dodgers, an unsung ro...
SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM
Landon Knack can't catch a break as Dodgers' NL West lead shrinks to 4 LOS ANGELES - Landon Knack has been a human life preserver for the Los Angeles Dodgers, an unsung ro...
SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM
Recalled ahead of start Knack was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City ahead of his scheduled start Friday against the Guardians.
Impact As expected, Knack will come up to start in place of Clayton Kershaw (toe), and he could stick around for an additional start beyond Friday with Gavin Stone (shoulder) now on the injured list as well. Knack has been impressive in 10 appearances (eight starts) for the Dodgers this season, posting a 3.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 44:12 K:BB over 48 innings.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Set to start Friday The Dodgers will recall Knack from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start Friday's game against the Guardians, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.
Impact Knack will be called upon to fill the gap in Los Angeles' starting rotation created by Clayton Kershaw's (toe) move to the injured list. The 27-year-old Knack has been a reliable option for the Dodgers this season, posting a 3.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 48 innings across 10 appearances (eight starts). While his time in the majors likely won't last past Friday, he still projects as an interesting streaming option against a mediocre Guardians offense.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Sent to minors The Dodgers optioned Knack to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
Impact After recording a four-inning save against the Brewers on Tuesday, Knack will head back to the minors in order to make room for Walker Buehler (hip), who was reinstated from the IL to start Wednesday's contest. The 27-year-old Knack has turned in a 3.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP across 48 innings during his first season in the majors and would be a likely candidate to return to Los Angeles if the Dodgers' starter depth is tested down the stretch.
AUGUST 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Picks up four-inning save Knack allowed a run on three hits and struck out two without walking a batter over four innings to earn the save in Tuesday's 7-2 win over the Brewers.
Impact This was Knack's first appearance since he was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday. He delivered a strong relief outing and spared the rest of the Dodgers' bullpen in the process to earn his first career save. For the year, Knack has maintained a 3.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 44:12 K:BB through 48 innings over 10 appearances. While Knack has generally been impressive, Walker Buehler's return Wednesday from a hip injury will fill the rotation spot vacated by River Ryan (elbow). Considering Knack also threw 64 pitches in Tuesday's contest, he could be the corresponding move to clear a 26-man roster spot for Buehler.
AUGUST 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Promoted Sunday The Dodgers recalled Knack from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday.
Impact The 27-year-old is taking the roster spot of River Ryan, who landed on the injured list Sunday due to an elbow injury. Knack has started in eight of his nine big-league appearances this season and has a 3.07 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 42:12 K:BB across 44 innings. He's likely to fill a long-relief role while up with the big club.
AUGUST 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Slated for call-up The Dodgers are expected to recall Knack from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Impact With River Ryan (forearm) heading to the IL after suffering an in-game injury Saturday, Knack will join the 26-man roster to pitch out of the bullpen. Knack has started in eight of his nine appearances for the Dodgers this season, logging a 3.07 ERA across 44.0 innings. He should handle a long-relief role during his stint in Los Angeles.
AUGUST 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Slated for call-up The Dodgers are expected to recall Knack from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Impact With River Ryan (forearm) heading to the IL after suffering an in-game injury Saturday, Knack will join the 26-man roster to pitch out of the bullpen. Knack started in eight of his nine appearances for the Dodgers this season, logging a 3.07 ERA across 44.0 innings. He should handle a long-relief role during his stint in Los Angeles.
AUGUST 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Optioned to OKC The Dodgers optioned Knack to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
Impact Knack has posted a 3.47 ERA and 1.07 WHIP while striking out 26 batters in 23.1 innings since joining the Dodgers on June 21, but he will be pushed back to the minors following the return of Tyler Glasnow (back). If Knack is able to remain effective in the minors, he could still be called upon to make a spot start later in the season as the Dodgers continue to work through a plethora of injuries to their starting rotation.
JULY 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Earns second win Knack (2-2) got the win over the Giants on Tuesday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks while striking out six over five innings.
Impact Knack's lone tally against him was a solo home run by Tyler Fitzgerald in the second. He otherwise put together another strong outing, registering 10 whiffs and limiting the Giants to weak contact outside of the home run. The 26-year-old continues to prove he belongs up with the Dodgers, evidenced by his 3.07 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 42:12 K:BB in 44 innings so far this year. The Dodgers rotation is starting to get a little crowded again with the return of Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) and Tyler Glasnow (back) this week, but Knack's spot should be safe as long as he keeps producing quality outings. He's currently lined up to face the Padres next week.
JULY 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Yields three runs in bulk relief Knack didn't factor into the decision Thursday against Philadelphia, allowing three runs on six hits and a walk over 4.1 innings. He struck out five.
Impact The 26-year-old had started in each of his first seven appearances this season but followed an opener in Anthony Banda on Thursday. Knack took over in the second inning with the Dodgers trailing 1-0 and surrendered a solo home run to the first batter he faced in Brandon Marsh. Though Knack retired 10 straight batters following the second frame, he surrendered a pair of singles and a triple to consecutive batters with one out in the sixth and was subsequently removed. In eight appearances, Knack owns a 3.23 ERA and a 36:10 K:BB across 39.0 innings.
JULY 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Not starting, could pitch Thursday Knack isn't starting Thursday against the Phillies but could be utilized behind opener Anthony Banda, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
Impact The Dodgers haven't announced their pitching plans beyond the opener, but Knack would be on turn to pitch after starting last Thursday against the Diamondbacks. The right-hander has a 2.86 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 31:9 K:BB across 34.2 innings this season.
JULY 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
