Landon Knack showcased his potential during a challenging game for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite the team’s 3-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians, Knack’s performance stood out as a silver lining. In his first start in nearly a month, Knack pitched six innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs while striking out a career-high eight batters. This marked only the second time he has completed six innings in the majors. “Landon was a star tonight,” Roberts said, via Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.

“He did everything we hoped for and more. He’s done it all year for us, given his uncertain circumstances, being up and down … six innings, two runs, eight punch-outs, one walk, and he gave us a good chance to win. I’m looking forward to him making his next start,” “I just felt that he was pitching really well,” Roberts said. “I liked the way he was throwing.”

The Dodgers faced a tough situation as they announced that starting pitcher Gavin Stone would be heading to the injured list due to shoulder inflammation, and outfielder Teoscar Hernández also left the game early with a foot injury. Knack’s ability to step up in this situation is crucial for the Dodgers, who have been dealing with injuries to key players like Stone, Tyler Glasnow, and Clayton Kershaw.

With Knack now having made 11 appearances this season, including nine starts, he has a record of 2-3 with a 3.00 ERA and 52 strikeouts. His performance in Triple-A has also been solid, with a 4-3 record and a 3.71 ERA over 12 starts. As the Dodgers navigate the challenges of their depleted rotation, Knack’s reliability will be essential as they prepare for the postseason.