The Dodgers reinstated right-hander Landon Knack from the 60-day injured list, per a team announcement. He’s been sidelined all year with an oblique strain. Knack will take righty Kyle Hurt‘s spot in the bullpen. Left-hander Charlie Barnes was designated for assignment to open a 40-man spot for Knack.
While vying for an Opening Day roster spot, Knack went down with an oblique injury in the spring. He was competing for a gig in the Dodgers’ bullpen. The issue ultimately cost him more than half the regular season. Knack made three rehab appearances at Triple-A. He reached three innings and 63 pitches in his most recent outing.
Knack has been up and down with the big-league club in each of the past two seasons. He’s earned opportunities in the rotation and in the bullpen as the L.A. pitching staff has dealt with injuries. The righty posted a 3.65 ERA with a strikeout per inning in his rookie campaign. His ERA jumped by more than a run last season. Knack has made 19 starts and six relief outings with the Dodgers.
Hurt made a surprise start on Friday after Shohei Ohtani was scratched with a knee injury. He tossed a season-high 36 pitches against the Diamondbacks. Hurt was unlikely to be available over the weekend, so the Dodgers made a move to add a fresh arm. He’s been a reliable member of the bullpen, even working his way into the high-leverage mix. Hurt has recorded eight holds. He also locked down his first big-league save in May.
It’s the second DFA of the year for Barnes. He joined the Cubs on a minor league deal over the winter. Chicago added him to the roster in mid-April. Barnes made just one appearance with the Cubs and was designated for assignment in early May. The Dodgers grabbed him off waivers.
Barnes spent most of his time at Triple-A after coming over to Los Angeles. He tossed two scoreless innings shortly after being acquired, but was soon sent down. Barnes was recalled on the first day of July. He was crushed for seven earned runs as a bulk reliever and sent right back down.
The Dodgers have five days to trade Barnes or place him on waivers. If he makes it through this time, he has the right to reject a minor league assignment, since he’s been outrighted before. Barnes has shown the ability to cover multiple innings and has minor league options remaining. He could draw interest on the waiver wire or as a free agent.
Photo courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images
