Phillies to use Corey Knebel in lower leverage situations, operate closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies closer Corey Knebel was evaluated for shoulder tightness over the weekend, but returned to the mound on Tuesday night against the Miami Marlins. The appearance didn't go as planned however, as the 2017 All-Star with the Milwaukee Brewers was roughed up for three runs (0 earned) on one hit and two walks and didn't retire any of the four batters he faced as he took with the loss.
Apparently, interim manager Rob Thomson has seen enough from Knebel to realize that he's not at full strength and until then, the strategy in the Philadelphia bullpen will be changing.
The 30-year-old righty is in his first season with the Phillies and had grabbed ahold of the closer's role entering the summer. Entering Wednesday's slate of MLB games, Knebel was tied for the National League lead in games finished with 23.
Knebel pitched in 27 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021 before signing with Philadelphia in December.
More must-reads: