Phillies pull Corey Knebel from closer role

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Corey Knebel. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies to use Corey Knebel in lower leverage situations, operate closer-by-committee

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Jun 15, 2022 11:59 AM ET

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.

Rob Thomson in pregame session with reporters said he will back off on Corey Knebel and use him in lower leverage non ninth inning situations until Knebel gets right. Closer by committee right now
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) June 15, 2022

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.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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