Dodgers Surprisingly Demote Hard-Throwing Reliever, Call Up Landon Knack

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a surprise roster move ahead of Wednesday's series finale against the Kansas City Royals.

Right-handed pitcher Landon Knack has been recalled from Triple-A. He replaced right-hander Seth Halvorsen, who was optioned back to the minor leagues.

The Dodgers recalled RHP Landon Knack and optioned RHP Seth Halvorsen.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 12, 2026

Halvorsen, acquired from the Colorado Rockies a couple weeks before the trade deadline, made his Dodgers debut on Tuesday night. He pitched a shutdown 10th inning that stranded the ghost runner on the bases and helped the Dodgers walk off the Kansas City Royals in the bottom of the frame.

Halvorsen looked sharp, touching 101.3 mph on his fastball and averaging 100.7 mph, which was nearly 2 mph higher than it was with Colorado.

Seth Halvorsen just had a scoreless Dodgers debut, stranding the ghost runner in the 10th inning.

He averaged 100.7 mph on his fastball and touched 101.3 mph twice.

He was acquired from the Rockies for Nick Frasso and Landyn Vidourek. pic.twitter.com/86OL1u6Vzv
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) August 12, 2026

Halvorsen picked up where he left off in Triple-A Oklahoma City, as he's thrown 6.1 scoreless innings for the Comets since the trade. Despite the strong debut, he's heading back to Triple-A, while Knack gets another opportunity at the big league level.

Knack has struggled in limited action at the MLB level this season, making two appearances and allowing five runs over five innings.

He allowed three runs over three innings on July 11 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Then, he allowed two runs over two innings on July 20 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Knack opened the season on the injured list due to an oblique injury. Over parts of three seasons with the Dodgers, he has a 4.33 ERA with 115 strikeouts across 116.1 innings of work.

Why Did the Dodgers Send Down Seth Halvorsen After His Strong Debut?

Manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Halvorsen's demotion is due to the team needing bullpen help for Wednesday's game.

With multiple arms down on Wednesday night, the Dodgers wanted to make sure they had enough coverage for the game.

Thus, Halvorsen — who has options — was the odd man out, meaning he won't be able to return for two weeks unless there's an injury.

With that being said, Roberts revealed that Halvorsen will be back "at some point" for the Dodgers.

Dave Roberts said this move was just about giving the bullpen (which is currently operating an arm short because of the Dodgers’ six-man rotation) extra cover right now

Halvorsen, who looked good in his team debut last night, will be back “at some point,” Roberts added
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) August 12, 2026

Dodgers Pitching Plan on Wednesday Night

Left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer is getting the start for the Dodgers coming off his worst outing since being acquired by LA in May.

Lauer allowed six runs on 11 hits over four innings against the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers suffered their first loss in the 10 outings that Lauer has pitched for them this season.

On Wednesday, the left-hander will hope to get back on track and provide the Dodgers with some much-needed length.

Right-hander Evan Phillips and left-handers Alex Vesia and Jack Dreyer are likely down on Wednesday night. On Thursday, the Dodgers start a four-game series with the MLB-best Milwaukee Brewers.

The Dodgers' don't have an off day until next Thursday, Aug. 20.

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