Knebel struck out two batters in a clean seventh inning in the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel was removed from the closer role earlier in the week after a run of poor appearances, but his first outing away from the spotlight couldn't have gone much better. He was tasked with keeping the deficit at two runs and did just that, getting Victor Robles to line out before striking out Lane Thomas and Juan Soto. It's unlikely that he reclaims his closing job after just a single outing, but another run of similar performances could at least put him back in contention.

Interim manager Rob Thomson said Wednesday that Knebel will be moved out of the closer's role for now, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel suffered a shoulder injury over the weekend but returned to the mound Tuesday against the Marlins and was charged with the blown save by allowing three unearned runs on a hit and two walks while failing to record an out. The right-hander has struggled with his command over the last few weeks, posting a 4.26 ERA, 6:7 K:BB and 2.21 WHIP in 6.1 innings over his last seven starts. He'll attempt to right the ship while pitching in lower-leverage situations, while the Phillies will use a closer-by-committee approach for now. Brad Hand and Seranthony Dominguez seem like the top candidates for saves.

Knebel (2-5) blew the save and took the loss after he did not record an out and allowed three unearned runs on a hit and two walks in an 11-9 defeat Tuesday against Miami.

EDGE Analysis

After the first batter reached on an error, Knebel allowed the next three batters to reach safely. Only four of his 16 pitches were strikes in his first outing since experiencing shoulder tightness Saturday. He is now 11-for-15 in save opportunities and has a less-than-stellar 23:16 K:BB in 25 innings.

Knebel (shoulder) felt encouraged after playing catch without issues Sunday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel felt shoulder tightness while warming up Saturday, but it looks as though he may have avoided a serious injury. The Phillies don't believe Knebel has any structural damage, so while he may miss another day or two, a long-term absence doesn't appear to be on the table at the moment.

Knebel will throw Sunday to test his tight shoulder and hopes to miss only a day or two, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The issue popped up for Knebel while he warmed up in preparation to enter Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks. While it's good to see he's not too worried about the issue, players tend to skew toward the optimistic side regarding their own health. Knebel doesn't have the strongest recent health track record, as he missed all of 2019 due to Tommy John surgery and was limited to 25.2 innings last year due to a lat strain. If his optimism turns out to be unwarranted, Seranthony Dominguez looks like the best candidate to take his closer job, though the role could also go to a veteran like Brad Hand.

Knebel experienced tightness in his shoulder while warming up during Saturday's game against Arizona, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel ultimately wasn't called upon to close the game, as the Phillies scored a run in the bottom of the eighth to extend their lead to 4-0, but it looks as though the veteran righty probably wouldn't have entered even if the lead remained at three runs. He'll be evaluated Sunday, with a trip to the injured list seemingly a possibility. Seranthony Dominguez's numbers suggest he deserves the first shot at the closer role should Knebel be forced to miss time, though seniority could grant Brad Hand and his 127 career saves the opportunity instead.

Knebel picked up the save Friday against the Diamondbacks, striking out one and allowing one hit in one scoreless inning.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel entered Friday's game with a two-run lead which he did not relinquish. He picked up his 11th save of the year and his third in June. The righty seems to have a clear hold on the closer role despite three blown saves and four losses this season.

Knebel tossed a scoreless ninth inning, walking three and striking out one batter on his way to a save in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

After the Phillies scored two runs in the top of the inning, Knebel was called on to protect a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the ninth. He made things interesting, walking Andrew McCutchen to open the inning before later loading the bases by issuing two more free passes with two outs in the frame. Knebel was able to get Pablo Reyes swinging to end the contest and avoid any damage in the outing, securing his 10th save in 13 chances this season. The closer now owns a 3.38 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 22 strikeouts over 24 innings in 24 appearances in 2022.

Knebel struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his ninth save of the season in a 6-5 win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

After a couple shaky appearances to close out last month, Knebel got a fresh start in June and looked sharp, picking up his first save since May 18. The right-hander is only 9-for-12 in converting save chances this season, and his 3.27 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 20:10 K:BB through 22 innings reflect his lack of dominance.

Knebel (1-4) took the loss and blown save during Sunday's 5-4 defeat at the hands of the Mets, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk with two strikeouts in 1.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

After Philadelphia took the lead in the eighth inning, Knebel served up a game-tying Nick Plummer solo shot to lead of the ninth and blow the save. Manager Joe Girardi stuck with the righty for the 10th and the 30-year-old again let in a run on a walk-off double, pushing his loss and blow save tally to four and three respectively -- both of which rank second worst in MLB among relievers. Knebel now carries a 3.15 ERA and 1.30 WHIP through 20 innings and hasn't converted a save since May 18.