Corey Knebel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corey Knebel |
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Knebel with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017
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| Free agent | |||
| Pitcher | |||
| Born: November 26, 1991 Denton, Texas, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| May 24, 2014, for the Detroit Tigers | |||
| MLB statistics (through 2022 season) |
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| Win–loss record | 13–16 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.26 | ||
| Strikeouts | 407 | ||
| Saves | 72 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
MLB records
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Corey Andrew Knebel (born November 26, 1991) is an American professional baseball pitcher. He is currently a free agent, meaning he can sign with any team. Corey has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams. These include the Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Contents
Early Life and High School Baseball
Corey Knebel was born in Denton, Texas. He grew up in Bastrop County, Texas. He went to Bastrop High School. There, he was a great baseball player for three years. He was even named the most valuable player in his district. Corey also played on the school's basketball team. For his senior year, he moved and graduated from Georgetown High School.
College Baseball Career
In 2011, Corey Knebel went to the University of Texas. He played college baseball for the Texas Longhorns baseball team. As a freshman, he became the team's closer. A closer is a special pitcher who finishes the game. He tied a school record with 19 saves in one season. A save happens when a pitcher protects a lead in the final innings.
Corey was named the best closer in college baseball. He was also named the best freshman player. He earned many awards, including being a First Team All-American. He was also recognized as a top player in the Big 12 Conference.
In 2012, Corey continued as the Longhorns' closer. He had nine saves and a low earned run average (ERA) of 2.08. An ERA shows how many earned runs a pitcher gives up per nine innings. He again earned first-team honors in the Big 12 Conference.
During 2013, Corey faced some challenges. He was suspended from the Longhorns team twice for breaking team rules.
Professional Baseball Journey
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers picked Corey Knebel in the 2013 MLB Draft. He was the 39th player chosen overall. This pick was special because it was the first time a draft pick had been traded in MLB history. Corey played for several minor league teams. These included the Class-A West Michigan Whitecaps and the Double-A Erie SeaWolves. He also played for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.
Corey made his first appearance in Major League Baseball on May 24, 2014. He played against the Texas Rangers.
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Texas Rangers
On July 23, 2014, the Tigers traded Corey to the Texas Rangers. He was traded along with another player for Joakim Soria. After the trade, Corey played for the Rangers' Triple-A team, the Round Rock Express. Unfortunately, he injured his elbow in August. This injury ended his season early.
Milwaukee Brewers
On January 19, 2015, the Rangers traded Corey to the Milwaukee Brewers. He was traded with two other players for Yovani Gallardo.
In May 2017, Corey became the main closer for the Brewers. He took over the role from Neftalí Feliz. On June 22, Corey set a new MLB record. He had at least one strikeout in 38 straight games as a relief pitcher. This broke a record set by Aroldis Chapman. His amazing streak continued and reached 45 games. It finally ended on July 19.
Corey got injured again on April 5, 2018, hurting his leg. He had to miss some games. He returned to play in May. However, he struggled for a few months. He was sent to a minor league team for a short time in August. He came back to the Brewers in September. He finished the season very strong, not allowing any runs in 16 games. In the playoffs that year, he also pitched very well.
In 2019, Corey had a serious elbow injury. He needed surgery called Tommy John surgery. This meant he missed the entire 2019 season. On December 2, the Brewers removed him from their main roster.
Corey returned in the shortened 2020 season. He played in 15 games.
Los Angeles Dodgers
On December 2, 2020, the Brewers traded Corey to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was traded for another player named Leo Crawford.
On May 2, 2021, Corey was placed on the injured list. He had a muscle strain in his back. This injury kept him from playing until August 10. Because of this, he only played in 27 games for the Dodgers in 2021. He had a good record of 4 wins and 0 losses. He also had a low ERA of 2.45 and three saves. He even started some games as an opener. An opener is a pitcher who starts the game but only pitches for a short time. In the playoffs, he pitched well in seven games.
Philadelphia Phillies
On December 1, 2021, Corey signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2022, he played in 46 games for the Phillies. He had 3 wins and 5 losses, with a 3.43 ERA. He also recorded 12 saves. On August 21, 2022, Corey was placed on the injured list again. He had a shoulder injury that ended his season. After the season, he became a free agent.
Chicago White Sox
On February 13, 2024, Corey signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox. He played in 12 games across different minor league levels. He was released by the White Sox on August 1.
Los Angeles Angels
On August 13, 2024, Corey signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He played in 6 games for their Triple-A team, the Salt Lake Bees. He was released by the Angels on September 8.
Personal Life
Corey Knebel married Danielle Matula on December 5, 2015. They were married in Victoria, Texas. The couple has three daughters named Ledger, Halstyn, and Kollyns. They live in Austin, Texas.
