Milwaukee Brewers’ Grades: Corey Knebel

Heading into 2015, one of the biggest question marks for the Milwaukee Brewers was the bullpen. Yes Will Smith and Francisco Rodriguez were back, but who else was going to provide quality innings in relief? But, instead of being a weakness, the bullpen proved to be a strength as many arms stepped up and pitched in big roles.

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One pitcher that stepped up greatly in his first full season was Corey Knebel. Here is a review of his solid 2015.

Though he started his season in AAA Colorado Springs, it didn’t take long for Knebel to get to Milwaukee this season as he made his Brewers debut on May 19th. In his first three outings with the team, he was quite impressive, striking out six batters in three innings of work, including striking out the side in his second game with the team.

While he bounced up and down for awhile, Knebel became one of the best arms on the team by season’s end. With closer stuff, he was able to find himself successful in any role he was placed in this season. He finished the year with a 3.28 ERA and a very impressive 58 strikeouts in 50.1 innings of work (10.4 strikeouts per nine innings average).

As a former first rounder from the 2013 draft, Knebel remains under team control until after the 2020 season and he will certainly be a very valued piece in the bullpen in the future. Though Francisco Rodriguez remains under contract for at least one season, Knebel impressed enough to make me believe that my prediction for him as the closer of the future will still come true.

Final Grade: B

Next: Braun Looks Ready for 2016