“I still have strong confidence in him. I really do,” interim Phillies manager Rob Thomson said about struggling closer Corey Knebel.
Entering play Tuesday night, Corey Knebel had allowed at least one run in three of his last four outings — part of a 13-appearance stretch in which he has a 5.68 ERA and three blown saves. But he isn’t in danger of being removed from the closer role.
Much of that track record was built in Milwaukee. Knebel had a breakthrough season in 2017, with a 1.78 ERA and 39 saves for a Brewers team that finished second in the National League Central. He recorded 16 saves in 2018 but was displaced as closer midway through the season by Josh Hader. Knebel didn’t allow an earned run in his first six appearances for the Phillies and had a 0.96 ERA and four saves through April. His struggles began in a May 5 meltdown at home against the New York Mets.Since then, Knebel has allowed eight earned runs on 13 hits, including two homers, and eight walks in 12⅔ innings.
If Thomson does decide to make a change, the Phillies have internal options to handle the ninth inning. Left-hander Brad Hand, who has 127 career saves, hadn’t allowed a run in 9⅔ innings over 13 appearances entering the series in Milwaukee.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Thomson’s got the magic touch for the Phillies | Sports Daily NewsletterThe Phillies are still far from .500, but recapturing the spirit of the Fightin' Phillies might be their most important focus.
Read more »
'Pistol': Separating Fact From Fiction in Danny Boyle's New Sex Pistols MiniseriesDanny Boyle's Sex Pistol miniseries Pistol sticks closer to the historical record than recent biopics. But like all projects of this nature, it takes certain liberties with the truth. Here are 8 of them. ⬇️
Read more »
Los Angeles Angels fire Joe Maddon; Phil Nevin named interim managerBREAKING: The Los Angeles Angels have fired manager Joe Maddon amid a 12-game losing streak
Read more »
Struggling Angels Fire Manager Joe Maddon With Team on 12-Game Losing SkidThe Los Angeles Angels fired manager Joe Maddon on Tuesday with the team mired in a 12-game losing streak.
Read more »
Phillies call up Scott Kingery to replenish depleted infieldCenter fielder Matt Vierling also got called up as Johan Camargo is headed to the injured list and Zack Wheeler to the paternity list.
Read more »