Angels sign shortstop Corey Knebel to a minor league contract, as first reported in the MLB.com career log. He will report to Triple-A Salt Lake. Knebel was granted waivers from his no-draft agreement with the White Sox earlier this month.
Now 32, Knebel is trying to return to the majors for the first time since 2022. He's been a productive player when healthy — highlighted by an All-Star season as Milwaukee's closer in '17 — but has had various arm issues. . He underwent a Tommy John procedure in 2019 and subsequently missed time with lat and shoulder concerns. Last season, Knebel did not play as he repaired the capsule he suffered against the Phillies two years ago.
Most of his time with Chicago was also spent in minor league IL. Knebel made six rehab appearances between the complex and High-A. He pitched just six times for Triple-A Charlotte, though he impressed with 5 1/3 scoreless frames while striking out eight. While it wasn't enough to convince the Sox to give him a look, that production apparently surprised the Los Angeles front office.
An insignificant move for the Halos, who are nowhere near the mix for the playoffs. Knebel will return to free agency this offseason even if he makes an MLB team. The final six weeks could serve as an interview as he tries to find a big league opportunity heading into 2025.
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