That Balls Outta Here
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5 Phillies who outperformed expectations in April

By Gabrielle Starr

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs off the field at the end of the second inning of the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on April 29, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs off the field at the end of the second inning of the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on April 29, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /
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Corey Knebel, Phillies
Apr 9, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Corey Knebel (23) enters the game to pitch the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Corey Knebel

Corey Knebel was somewhat of a risky signing for the Phillies, who gave him a hefty $10M paycheck for just one season.

Knebel had been a great closer in 2017-18, finishing 77 games and earning 55 saves over 133 appearances. However, he missed the entire 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery, and upon his return, only made 15 appearances in 2020 and 27 appearances in 2021, mostly as set-up man behind former Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen. So, signing him to be the new closer was a bit of a gamble.

But so far, his 0.96 ERA over nine appearances leads the pitching staff. He’s finished nine games, earned four saves, and only allowed one earned run on six hits.

While longevity is still in question for the new closer, who hasn’t pitched a full season in a few years, he’s off to a magnificent start.

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