Dodgers Call Up Landon Knack Amid Bullpen Strain

Dodgers Call Up Landon Knack Amid Bullpen Strain The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a surprising move that’s sending shockwaves through the baseball world: they’ve called up 24-year-old right-hander Landon Knack from Triple-A to bolster a bullpen that’s been struggling mightily this season. For a team known for its dominant pitching staff, this decision feels like a Hail Mary pass—one that raises questions about the state of the roster, the pressure of high-stakes games, and whether Knack can step up when it matters most. Who Is Landon Knack? Knack isn’t a household name, but his journey to the majors is anything but ordinary. That's the whole idea.

Drafted in the 11th round of the 2023 MLB Draft, he spent his first professional season with the Arizona Diamondbacks’ minor league system before being traded to the Dodgers in 2024. Over the next year, he carved out a reputation as a reliable reliever with a 3.25 ERA and a strikeout rate that consistently ranked in the top 10 among Triple-A pitchers. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and his slider has become a reliable out-pitch, making him a versatile option in high-use situations. But here’s the thing: Knack wasn’t a top prospect.

He wasn’t selected in the first 10 rounds, and his path to the majors was paved by persistence, not pedigree. That’s what makes this call-up so intriguing. The Dodgers aren’t just bringing in a prospect—they’re bringing in a guy who’s earned his shot through grit. Why the Bullpen Is in Crisis The Dodgers’ bullpen has been a disaster in 2026.

What was once a feared unit is now a liability, with a 5.80 ERA and a 45% walk rate that’s left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Key relievers like Aaron Loup and Yonny Chirinos have been inconsistent, and the team’s reliance on a shaky starting rotation has only made things worse. This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about trust.

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When a team’s bullpen can’t hold the line, it puts pressure on the starters, who are already struggling to go deep into games. The result? A cycle of frustration that’s hard to break. For a franchise that’s built its identity on pitching, this feels like a crisis.

What This Means for the Roster Calling up Knack isn’t just about filling a hole—it’s a statement. The Dodgers are signaling that they’re willing to take risks to fix their problems, even if it means sacrificing depth. But it’s also a gamble. Knack’s track record is solid, but he’s never pitched in the majors before.

Will he handle the pressure? Can he adapt to the faster pace of big-league games? This move also raises questions about the team’s strategy. Are they preparing for a playoff push?

Or are they just trying to survive the season? Either way, it’s a bold decision that could define the rest of the year. The Road Ahead Knack’s first appearance will likely come in a high-take advantage of situation, and the pressure will be immense. If he succeeds, it could be a turning point.

If he falters, it might expose deeper issues in the organization. Either way, this call-up is a story of desperation, hope, and the unpredictable nature of baseball. The Dodgers’ bullpen is in trouble, and Landon Knack is the latest piece in a puzzle that’s still far from complete. Whether this move pays off or becomes a cautionary tale remains to be seen—but one thing’s certain: the stakes have never been higher.