Milwaukee Brewers Shockingly Demote Corey Knebel And Zach Davies

In a shocking turn of events, the Milwaukee Brewers have optioned 2017 All Star Corey Knebel to Triple-A in hopes of getting him back on track. Starting pitcher Zach Davies is also getting optioned.

Corey Knebel has struggled pretty much all season long. He’s been kicked out of the closer’s role and still hasn’t been able to get on track in low pressure situations. That doesn’t make today’s news any less shocking.

Zach Davies was activated from the disabled list and instead of getting placed back in the rotation, was optioned all the way down to the Class-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. He struggled in most of his rehab starts but went six strong innings in his most recent outing.

Corey Knebel

Knebel has a 5.08 ERA this season as he’s continued to give up runs despite no longer pitching in the ninth inning.

Strictly looking at the numbers, it isn’t that surprising that Knebel was sent down. But at the same time, Knebel is one year removed from being an All-Star and the Milwaukee Brewers have supported him throughout his struggles.

Zach Davies

While it’s not that shocking to see Zach Davies not have a job in the big leagues now that he’s finally healthy, a demotion all the way to Low-A is a steep demotion. Even though they may just be trying to keep him nearby whenever they want to call him up again, the level of competition is not as good.

Through 10 starts in the minor leagues this year, Davies has a 5.45 ERA, which isn’t exactly inspiring numbers if he’s going to join a club in the middle of a pennant race.

Who Will Replace These Two?

With Knebel getting sent off the roster, Joakim Soria seems to be the obvious choice to take his spot. He’s supposed to be getting activated from the DL soon, and it stands to reason that he will take Knebel’s spot in the bullpen.

While Davies doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced on the active roster, rumors are circling around that Matt Harvey has been claimed on waivers and the Milwaukee Brewers are thought to be the mystery team.

The corresponding moves will likely be announced on Friday before the game, which is coincidentally the same time that the waiver claim on Matt Harvey expires. Interesting.

The Milwaukee Brewers have had bullpen struggles over the past few weeks, and Knebel has been a big reason why. And 2018 just appears to be a lost cause for Zach Davies.