Corey Knebel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corey Knebel |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
.jpg)
Knebel with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017
|
|||
| Free agent | |||
| Pitcher | |||
| Born: November 26, 1991 Denton, Texas, U.S. |
|||
|
|||
| debut | |||
| May 24, 2014, for the Detroit Tigers | |||
| MLB statistics (through 2022 season) |
|||
| Win–loss record | 13–16 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.26 | ||
| Strikeouts | 407 | ||
| Saves | 72 | ||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
| Career highlights and awards | |||
MLB records
|
|||
Corey Andrew Knebel, born on November 26, 1991, is an American professional baseball pitcher. He has played for several teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). These teams include the Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies. He is currently a free agent.
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 played baseball for three years. He was even named the most valuable player (MVP) for 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, Knebel started playing college baseball for the Texas Longhorns baseball team at the University of Texas. He quickly became the team's closer. A closer is a special pitcher who finishes games. As a freshman, he tied a school record with 19 saves in one season. A save happens when a pitcher protects a lead at the end of a game.
Because of his great performance, he received many awards. He was named the "Stopper of the Year" and "Freshman of the Year" by the NCBWA. He also earned "First Team All-American" honors. This means he was recognized as one of the best college players in the country. He was also named to the first-team All-Big 12 Conference.
Knebel continued as the Longhorns' closer in 2012. He finished that year with nine saves. He also had a good 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 All-Big 12 honors.
Professional Baseball Journey
Starting with the Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers chose Corey Knebel in the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft. He was the 39th player picked overall. This pick was special because it was the first time a draft pick had been traded in MLB history. The Tigers got this pick in a trade with the Miami Marlins in 2012.
Before playing in the major leagues, Knebel played for several minor league teams. These included the Class-A West Michigan Whitecaps, the Double-A Erie SeaWolves, and the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. He made his first MLB appearance on May 24, 2014. This game was against the Texas Rangers.
.jpg)
Moving to the Texas Rangers
On July 23, 2014, the Tigers traded Knebel to the Texas Rangers. Another player, Jake Thompson, was also part of this trade. In return, the Tigers received pitcher Joakim Soria. After the trade, Knebel joined the Rangers' Triple-A team, the Round Rock Express. Unfortunately, he injured his elbow in August, which ended his season early.
Time with the Milwaukee Brewers
On January 19, 2015, the Rangers traded Knebel again. This time, he went to the Milwaukee Brewers. Two other players, Luis Sardiñas and Marcos Diplan, also joined the Brewers in this trade. The Rangers received pitcher Yovani Gallardo.
In May 2017, Knebel became the main closer for the Brewers. He took over from Neftalí Feliz. On June 22, Knebel set a new MLB record. He had a strikeout in 38 straight games as a relief pitcher. This broke the old record set by Aroldis Chapman. On July 19, his amazing streak ended at 45 games.
In April 2018, Knebel hurt his left hamstring. He was placed on the injured list but returned in May. He had some struggles during the summer. He was sent to the minor leagues for a short time in August. However, he came back strong in September. He finished the regular season with 16 games where he didn't allow any runs. In the 2018 postseason, he continued to pitch very well.
In 2019, Knebel faced a serious injury. He tore a ligament in his right elbow. This injury required surgery, which meant he missed the entire 2019 season. He returned in the shortened 2020 season. He played in 15 games that year.
Joining the Los Angeles Dodgers
On December 2, 2020, the Brewers traded Knebel to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In return, the Brewers received Leo Crawford. In 2021, Knebel was placed on the injured list in May due to a right lat strain. He was out until August. Because of this injury, he only played in 27 games for the Dodgers that year. He finished with a 4–0 record and a 2.45 ERA. He also recorded three saves. He pitched well in the postseason too.
Playing for the Philadelphia Phillies
On December 1, 2021, Knebel signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2022, he played in 46 games for the Phillies. He had a 3–5 record and a 3.43 ERA. He also earned 12 saves. On August 21, 2022, Knebel was placed on the injured list again. This time, it was for a torn shoulder capsule. This injury caused him to miss the rest of the season. After the season, he became a free agent.
Recent Teams
Corey Knebel signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox on February 13, 2024. He played in 12 games across different minor league levels. He was released by the White Sox organization on August 1, 2024.
On August 13, 2024, Knebel 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 asked for his release from the Angels organization on September 8, 2024.
Personal Life
Corey Knebel married Danielle Matula on December 5, 2015. Their wedding took place in Victoria, Texas. Corey and Danielle have four daughters named Ledger, Halstyn, Kollyns, and Rivy. The family lives in Austin, Texas.
