The Phillies Did Something Before the Lockout

With the MLB lockout looming, the Phillies squeezed in a deal:

Right-handed reliever Corey Knebel is in agreement on a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 1, 2021

Knebel had been linked to the Phils this week. He’s sort of a gamble based on his recent injury history.

He was a 2017 All Star in Milwaukee but has only pitched 38 innings since 2018. He hurt his hamstring that year, and went on the DL before being sent to the minors. In 2019, he had right elbow soreness, then had Tommy John surgery and was ultimately DFA’d by the Brewers.

Knebel had a lateral strain this year, but otherwise put in a good 2021 season with the Dodgers. He pitched 25 innings, mostly in relief, but functioned as an opener as well. He finished with a 2.45 ERA and just turned 30 this month.