Dodgers: Corey Knebel’s return comes at perfect time for decimated pitching staff

The Los Angeles Dodgers are starting to establish momentum, which is impressive when you consider that their pitching staff is currently decimated by injuries.

In fact, as of Aug. 9 (just a few days ago!) the Dodgers had more pitchers on the injured list (14) than they had on the active roster.

Though the additions of Max Scherzer and Cole Hamels will help stabilize the starting rotation, the same can’t be said for their floundering bullpen.

Keeping in tune with the theme of the season, LA just placed the Joe Kelly on the injured list without a designation.

Unlike most injury disclosures the Dodgers have made this campaign, however, this piece of news was actually followed by a silver lining.

On Tuesday, fans collectively rejoiced on social media when right-hander Corey Knebel was activated from the 60-day IL, and his return comes at a perfect time.

Corey Knebel’s return will serve as a huge boost for the Dodgers bullpen.

Talk about a needed shot in the arm, right? Knebel, who was acquired from the Brewers at the non-tender deadline in December, has been sidelined since mid-April due to a lat strain.

Despite not enjoying much success with Milwaukee last season, Knebel got off to a great start with the Dodgers in 2021, as he recorded two saves and didn’t allow a hit through his first six  appearances. The 29-year-old picked up right where he left off in his first game in over four months, logging two strikeouts and a walk in a quick 0.2 innings on Tuesday.

The Dodgers certainly don’t want to put too much on Knebel’s plate as he works his way back from a major injury, but that might not be an option with their bullpen currently down several trusted hurlers, including Kelly, Jimmy Nelson, Victor Gonzalez, and Tony Gonsolin.

Even Garrett Cleavinger and Darien Nunez joined the walking wounded on the injured list last week. In other words, Los Angeles is running out of arms, and Knebel will be needed to take some of the pressure off Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen in high-leverage situations.

Luckily for the Dodgers, Knebel looked overpowering in his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City before making his return against the Phillies. In six relief appearances, Knebel managed a 1.59 ERA and 11 strikeouts over 5.2 innings.

While Dodgers fans should give Knebel a few outings to get his legs back underneath him, the early returns indicate he’s ready to be a dependable late-inning option for Dave Roberts.

To say Los Angeles desperately needs that right now would be an understatement.

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