7 Things to know about new Phillies arm Corey Knebel

1. Dave Dombrowski drafted Corey Knebel

When Dave Dombrowski was the Detroit Tigers GM, he drafted some of the top talent in baseball: Justin Verlander, Nick Castellanos, and… Corey Knebel. Knebel was the Tigers’ supplemental pick in the first round of the 2013 draft. Now, the player and executive are reunited in Philadelphia.

2. Knebel has some elite numbers

Injuries have hampered Knebel’s career, but he still has some elite stuff. According to Jayson Stark, Knebel is one of four pitchers (with a minimum of 150 innings) between 2017-2021 to hold opposing batters to an average of .195 or lower and post a K rate of 35% or better. The other three are his former Brewers teammate Josh Hader, Craig Kimbrel, and Aroldis Chapman.

3. Knebel has an interesting history with a former Phillie

When Knebel was with the Brewers, he took the closer role from a struggling Neftalí Feliz. The Phillies signed Feliz last December, but his pitching woes continued. After the Phillies DFA’d him midseason, he latched onto the Dodgers, reuniting with Knebel.

4. He loves In-N-Out

The popular west-coast fast-food chain isn’t for everyone, but Knebel is an In-N-Out fan.

My personal recommendation: Animal Fries extra-crispy from the secret menu.

5. Knebel is a proud Girl Dad

Knebel and his wife Danielle are the proud parents of two little girls. When the righty joined Instagram in April 2020, he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. His first post was humorous and heartfelt, all about gratitude for the extra time with his family.

6. He takes COVID protocol seriously

The Phillies were one of the least-vaccinated teams in 2021, but it looks like Knebel takes COVID protocols seriously. In July 2020, he posted that he wears his mask to keep his family and teammates safe, and asked others to do the same.

7. Corey Knebel seems really excited to be a Phillie

Knebel updated his Instagram bio within minutes of the Phillies’ announcing his official deal.