Struggling reliever Knebel sent to minors
The Milwaukee Brewers have been looking for answers in getting deposed closer Corey Knebel on track and apparently they have decided a trip to the minors is in order.
There was no official announcement from the club Thursday, but the transactions list on the Brewers' web site indicated Knebel had been optioned to Class AAA Colorado Springs.
That transactions site also indicated that right-hander Zach Davies, who had been on minor-league rehab while on the disabled list with a back issue, had been optioned to Class A Wisconsin. The allotted time on Davies' minorleague assignment expires Friday.
Knebel was removed from the closer's role after blowing a 4-2 lead in the ninth inning on Aug. 9 against San Diego, walking the bases loaded and allowing a run-scoring infield hit. Joakim Soria took over and allowed a grand slam to Hunter Renfroe in what became an 8-6 loss. Soria suffered a groin strain as well that put him on the 10-day DL.
Soria, acquired in late July from the Chicago White Sox, is ready to come off the DL, and the Brewers apparently opted to send Knebel out to open a roster spot. In 41 appearances, Knebel is 2-3 with a 5.08 ERA, with 14 saves in 17 chances.
Last season, Knebel made the NL allstar team, compiling 39 saves with a 1.76 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 76 innings.
Davies made his final rehab appearance Wednesday for Class AA Biloxi, pitching six strong innings. He allowed two hits and one run with one walk and nine strikeouts.
Optioning Davies to the Timber Rattlers allows the Brewers more time before deciding whether to add him to their roster. They could wait until Sept. 1, when rosters can be expanded beyond 25 players.