Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell told reporters Thursday there is “reason for concern” about the pitching elbow of right-handed reliever Corey Knebel.
Knebel, 27, had stopped throwing in the past few days due to what had been described as a tired arm. He was scheduled to have the elbow examined by Dr. William Raasch in Arizona on Thursday, according to multiple reports.
Knebel was 4-3 with 16 saves and a 3.58 ERA in 55 1/3 innings last season, striking out 88 as part of a dominant bullpen that helped the Brewers reach the National League Championship Series. He gave up two hits and one run in 10 postseason innings.
Knebel and reliever Jeremy Jeffress (shoulder) are expected to open the year on the injured list, likely leaving closer duties to Josh Hader. The Brewers reportedly have been in talks with free agent closer Craig Kimbrel.