The Phillies reinstated Knebel (illness) from the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Philadelphia placed Knebel on the list prior to Tuesday's loss to the Mets after he reported flu-like symptoms, but his reinstatement a day later implies that he never tested positive for the virus. Unless the Phillies indicate otherwise, Knebel will likely be available for Wednesday's series finale, as he likely wouldn't have been activated if he was still feeling under the weather. Through his first two appearances with the Phillies, Knebel has struck out three and allowed two baserunners over two innings while converting his only save opportunity.

Knebel and the Phillies are waiting on the results of a COVID-19 test, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel was unavailable with flu-like symptoms Monday and hit the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, but it looks as though the team isn't yet sure what his illness is. The symptoms alone are enough for him to hit the COVID-specific injured list, but he could return quickly if it turns out that he's dealing with the flu instead.

Knebel was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel was unavailable Monday due to what were reportedly flu-like symptoms, but the apparent flu may actually be COVID-19 instead. If he has indeed tested positive for the virus, he could miss over a week. Brad Hand got the save in his absence Monday, though opportunities could also go to Jeurys Familia or Seranthony Dominguez if the Phillies face a run of righties in the ninth inning.

Knebel wasn't available to pitch Monday against the Mets due to flu-like symptoms, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel wasn't spotted in the bullpen during Monday's matchup, and manager Joe Girardi revealed after the game that he wasn't available to pitch the ninth inning. Instead, it was Brad Hand who slammed the door in the series opener in Knebel's absence. Knebel will be considered day-to-day until further notice.

Knebel picked up a save Saturday against Oakland, pitching one inning and allowing an unearned run on one hit and one walk while striking out one.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel was used in a non-save situation Friday and required only 10 pitches to retire the side, so he was able to get back on the mound in a closer game Saturday. The veteran allowed the first two batters he faced to reach base but then induced a double play and followed with a strikeout to notch his first save as a Philly. The right-hander has 61 saves in his career, but only four have come since the 2018 season.

Manager Joe Girardi said Sunday that, as of now, Knebel will be the Phillies' closer, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Girardi's statement wasn't a definitive one, but it confirms the notion that Knebel would be the closer if the Phillies' don't bring in anyone above him on the depth chart ahead of Opening Day. The 30-year-old righty has 60 career saves in 266 appearances and logged a 2.45 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 29.7 K% and .174 batting average against in 25.2 innings with the Dodgers last season. His 8.9 BB% was his best mark since 2015.

Knebel signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Phillies on Wednesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel missed several months in 2021 due to a lat injury, but he still posted a strong 2.45 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 25.2 innings across 27 appearances (four starts) during his first year with the Dodgers. The Phillies still have Jose Alvarado in the bullpen, but Knebel should factor into Philadelphia's late-inning mix during the 2022 campaign.

Knebel will serve as the opener in Game 1 of the NLCS against Atlanta on Saturday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel was utilized as the opener in Game 5 of the NLDS against the Giants on Thursday, and he allowed a hit and no walks while striking out one in a scoreless first inning. Tony Gonsolin will likely be available to serve as a bulk reliever at some point in Saturday's contest.

Knebel will serve as the opener for Thursday's NLDS Game 5 matchup against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Lefty Julio Urias is on turn to start the deciding contest, but it looks as though the Dodgers will turn the Giants lineup around with the right-handed Knebel to start the game before presumably bringing Urias in for an extended stretch. Knebel filled the same opener role four times during the regular season, allowing one run in a combined 5.2 innings of work.

Knebel allowed one run on two hits in one inning as the opener Tuesday against the Cardinals. He did not factor in the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel coughed up a run on a single, a ground-rule double and a sacrifice fly -- just the fourth earned run Knebel has given up in 12.1 innings since he returned from an extended absence due to a lat injury. Mitch White was expected to pitch in long relief behind Knebel on Tuesday, but at the last minute the team decided to push White back to start Wednesday's game.