The Los Angeles Dodgers named a surprising pitcher to replace Rookie Sasaki in the rotation.
Sasaki was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder impingement. The right-hander was feeling discomfort in his shoulders over his last couple of starts, and he will now be on the shelf for 15 days.
With Sasaki on the IL, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts announced Landon Knack would replace Sasaki in the rotation.
“Dave Roberts said Landon Knack is the leading candidate to be the Dodgers’ 5th starter,” Dodgers’ insider Matthew Moreno wrote on X.
Knack has appeared in five games this season while starting four, but has struggled. The 27-year-old was a second-round pick in 2020, and this season, he’s 2-1 with a 5.89 ERA. In his Major League Baseball career, he’s 5-6 with a 4.12 ERA in 20 appearances, including 16 starts.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Knack gets the nod ahead of Ben Casparius, which is a bit surprising. The 26-year-old is 4-0 with a 2.89 ERA in 14 games, including 1 start, but Roberts opted to go with Knack in the rotation while Casparius will remain in the bullpen.
Although Sasaki is on the 15-day IL, there is no timeline for his return, Roberts announced. Meaning Knack could get multiple starts in the rotation.
“We made it very clear to Roki that there is no expectation on timeline,” Roberts said. “The main thing is that he’s healthy, he’s strong, his delivery feels good, then he’ll pitch for us.”
Before being placed on the IL, Sasaki was 1-1 with a 4.72 ERA in 8 starts. He signed a deal with the Dodgers that featured a $6.5 million signing bonus this offseason.
More MLB: Dodgers suggested blockbuster lands Nolan Arenado from Cardinals in 3-for-1 swap
