“He was very competitive and really pitched his tail off” - Dave Roberts highlights Landon Knack’s crucial performance and future potential

Landon Knack seems to have secured a soft spot with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts after his last performance against the Reds. Knack is one of those pitchers who got a decent start in his career and is already a part of the Dodgers' starting rotation.

Knack pitched his fourth career game against the Reds and helped the Dodgers win the series. It was not an easy game as the Reds fought hard, extending another inning. However, Landon Knack managed to navigate through the tough challenges ahead.

Roberts highlighted Knack's performance, saying he was in a tough spot but maintained control. After a strong start on his MLB return, he appreciated his pitches and his focus on the mound.

"He's in a tough spot. You got to be some kinda focused to be able to do that. Today all four pitches were working and he was very competitive and really pitched his tail off," Roberts said.

Roberts further stated that Knack was helpful in a crucial game and his role in the future will also be important.

"He put us in a position to win a ball game. Very helpful not only to today's game, but also the starters going forward," Roberts continued.

Dodgers to benefit from Landon Knack's promotion

Landon Knack was called up on Sunday from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Knack's promotion to the majors has been a positive outcome for the team. The Dodgers are also believed to benefit more from the 26-year-old pitcher.

Knack will give an extra day to other pitchers before their next start. Since his comeback was successful, Roberts seems keen on having him on the team. Initially, the Dodgers were supposed to send Yoshinobu Yamamoto as their starter against the Reds.

Knack's return gave Yamamoto an extra day of rest. If things go well, he will continue to remain in the starting rotation. Knack seems to have improved his performance. With a 1-1 record, he holds a 2.61 ERA. He has 16 strikeouts in 20-plus innings pitched with a 0.97 WHIP.

Knack threw four-plus innings and surrendered one earned run, three hits, and one walk. He lowered his ERA to 2.61 in his outing against the Reds. Knack's ERA became the lowest of any Dodger pitcher with multiple starts in 2024.