Paul Sewald
Breakdown
Leistung
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1. April 2026
Secures save No. 2
Sewald earned the save by striking out the side in order during Tuesday's 7-5 win over the Tigers.
Analyse
The 35-year-old was called upon for the ninth inning after Arizona turned a 5-1, eighth-inning deficit into a two-run lead, and he dispatched the middle of Detroit's lineup on 13 pitches. Sewald now has two saves through three scoreless appearances this year, already matching his saves total from a bumpy 2025 regular season with Cleveland and Detroit. Things can change fast this early in the season, but Sewald has quickly established himself as Arizona's top option for saves.
31. März 2026
Nails down first save
Sewald earned a save against the Tigers on Monday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.
Analyse
It didn't look like there would be any save opportunities after Arizona built an 8-0 lead through five frames, but Detroit made a late rally to get close. Sewald was summoned to protect a three-run lead in the ninth frame, and he avoided any drama by retiring the side in order on 12 pitches. Manager Torey Lovullo previously hinted that Sewald might be the favorite for early save chances, and that became a firmer scenario given Monday's bullpen usage. Sewald certainly has plenty of experience in the role, having racked up 81 regular-season saves between 2021 and 2024.
29. März 2026
Cleans up loss
Sewald retired the lone batter he faced in the eighth inning of Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Dodgers.
Analyse
Arizona led 2-1 in the eighth inning with Sewald warming up in the bullpen, presumably to save the game in the ninth, but he never got the chance after Juan Morillo allowed a two-run home run, setting up Sewald to get the final out of the inning in a non-save situation. It was the veteran right-hander's first appearance of the season.
26. März 2026
Early favorite for saves
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo indicated Thursday that Sewald is likely to get the first chance to serve as the team's closer, Cameron Cox of 12 News in Arizona reports.
Analyse
When asked who will be the team's closer, Lovullo noted that Sewald has been a "very back end" reliever for a "long time" and "I'd be foolish not to strongly consider him" as closer. Lovullo did not mention any other relievers by name, only adding that Sewald will not be able to pitch every day, so the club will need "understudies" if Sewald is the closer. While Sewald looks like the clear early favorite for saves in the Diamondbacks bullpen, Kevin Ginkel and Ryan Thompson could also be in the mix. Sewald held a 4.58 ERA and 20:6 K:BB between the Guardians and Tigers during an injury-shortened 2025 season.