Los Angeles Angels Sign Former All-Star & Dominant Closer

The Los Angeles Angels have signed veteran right-hander Corey Knebel to a minor-league contract, assigning him to Triple-A Salt Lake as he aims to make a comeback to the majors. 

Knebel, who hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2022, is looking to revive his career after several injury-plagued years. 

Once an All-Star closer for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017, Knebel's promising career was derailed by a series of arm issues, including Tommy John surgery in 2019, followed by lat and shoulder concerns. 

The Angels signed RHP Corey Knebel to a minor league deal. He's 32.

He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2022. He had a 5.91 ERA in the White Sox farm system this year.

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) August 14, 2024

Knebel spent the majority of the 2023 season in the Chicago White Sox's farm system, where he struggled with a 5.91 ERA before being granted his release earlier this month. 

However, a brief stint with Triple-A Charlotte saw him deliver 5.1 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, a performance that caught the attention of the Angels. 

RHP Corey Knebel has been signed by Angels and is on SLC roster.
A veteran of over 300 MLB games with career ERA of 3.26. pic.twitter.com/JmuYPXcb3J

— Halo Life ⚾ (@_HaloLife) August 13, 2024

With Los Angeles out of playoff contention, the final weeks of the season offer Knebel an important audition to showcase his health and effectiveness as he eyes a return to the majors in 2025. 

From 2017-22, Knebel recorded an impressive 2.93 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, with 300 strikeouts across 215 innings and 221 appearances.

Photo Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports