[REVISION HISTORY]

Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen management changes

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-11 18:14 UTC → 2026-08-12 20:31 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Arizona Diamondbacks have restructured their bullpen management following a decline in performance from veteran right-handed pitcher Paul Sewald. In late July, manager Torey Lovullo announced the team would move away from using Sewald as a dedicated closer, opting instead for a ‘closer-by-committee’ approach. This decision followed Sewald’s struggles in high-leverage situations, where he posted a 5.26 ERA and a 24-27 save conversion rate. The club began evaluating other relievers, such as Brandyn Garcia, Juan Morillo, and Kevin Ginkel, to stabilize late-inning performance during their National League Wild Card pursuit. By August, the Diamondbacks designated Sewald for assignment. The 36-year-old, who rejoined the team on a one-year, $1.5 million contract, saw his performance decline sharply after June 19. During a recent stretch, he allowed 17 earned runs over 10 2/3 innings and surrendered seven home runs, bringing his season ERA to 6.23 over 45 appearances. Manager Torey Lovullo described the decision to move on from the former closer as “brutal” and “agonizing,” citing Sewald’s importance to the organization and his role in the 2023 World Series run. To fill the resulting roster spot, the Diamondbacks ~~are adding~~ added right-hander Zack Littell, who was recently released by the Washington Nationals. Following his departure from Arizona, Sewald was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays. To accommodate the veteran reliever on their 40-man roster, the Blue Jays recalled right-hander Jake Bloss and subsequently placed him on the 60-day injured list due to a shoulder injury.

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