RADIO
Corey Knebel 2019 Outlook- Role Unclear For 2019
6 years agoMilwaukee Brewers reliever Corey Knebel was a big part of the success for the 2017 Brewers, as he pitched in a league-high 76 games and had a 1.78 ERA. He also had 39 saves, struck out 126 batters in 76 innings, and allowed just 48 hits. There were some inquiries on if he was a big-time closer, as he had a 4.03 ERA and two career saves coming into 2017, but the Brewers had spent big and Knebel looked like a potential top-five RP. There was a top-five RP in Milwaukee in 2018, but it was not Knebel, who had a 3.58 ERA in 55 1/3 innings. He did save 16 games, though, and saw his walk rate go from 4.7 per nine to 3.6 per nine, seeing his WHIP go from 1.16 to 1.08. As with a lot of bullpen situations, there was just another guy that was able to put up better numbers, particularly a lefty (Josh Hader) that whiffed 143 batters in 81 1/3 innings. Knebel will likely be a non-factor for fantasy owners in the future, as Hader is the top reliever for the Brewers and Jeremy Jeffress also had 15 saves last season. Hader could be used as more of a fireman, so there is some chance that Knebel does get 20-25 saves, but that limits his value. The most value would come from if he is traded. Knebel is being selected in the 12th round.
