Prospect Knebel makes Triple-A debut

BALTIMORE -- Tigers top relief prospect Corey Knebel made his Triple-A debut for Toledo on Monday afternoon, allowing an inherited runner to score but allowing no hits or walks in the eighth inning of an eventual walk-off win over Rochester.

Knebel, the supplemental first-round pick from last year's First-Year Player Draft, was promoted from Double-A Erie on Sunday after just 11 appearances. He replaced starter Duane Below on Monday with runners on first and second and nobody out before a sac bunt and a sac fly brought the tying run home. Knebel also hit a batter and gave up a double steal, but he escaped with a Wilkin Ramirez flyout to center field.

Knebel averaged 94-95 mph on his fastball, according to John Wagner of the Toledo Blade, with a quality curveball mixed in.

The Mud Hens won in the bottom of the ninth on a Brandon Douglas single.

Knebel's potential ascension in the big leagues has been a much-speculated topic since the early season struggles of Detroit's bullpen. The Tigers have indicated more of a patient approach with him.