For the first time in his eight-year career, Paul Sewald has blown three consecutive saves. On Monday, he was just one strike away from sealing a Diamondbacks win.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Over his last 1.2 innings on the mound, Sewald has allowed seven earned runs. Entering this unprecedented stretch, Sewald had tossed 15.2 consecutive scoreless innings, a streak that began in early May.
If it were not for Sewald’s three blown saves, the D-backs would be riding a nine-game winning streak, bringing their record five games above .500 and placing them a game ahead of the Padres for the final spot in the National League Wild Card race.
Instead, they are 6-4 over their last 10 games, are 2.5 games back from the Padres, and are one game under .500 on the season.
Nevertheless, after Sewald allowed two earned runs in the ninth inning against the Braves on Monday, ultimately leading to Atlanta winning 5-4 in extra innings, manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that Sewald will be handed the ball the next time a save situation presents itself.
When asked if there was a possibility of Sewald moving out of the closer role, Lovullo responded, “We’re not gonna start that conversation yet. I’m not ready to make that decision. Paul’s been an unbelievable closer for us, and he will continue to get the baseball.”
Video credits to @PHNX_Dbacks
Torey Lovullo on the possibility of moving Paul Sewald out of the closer role:
“We’re not gonna start that conversation yet. I’m not ready to make that decision. Paul’s been an unbelievable closer for us, and he will continue to get the baseball.” pic.twitter.com/tkkhXJcuxF
— PHNX Diamondbacks (@PHNX_Dbacks) July 9, 2024
Lovullo also spoke about Yilber Diaz‘s major league debut. Diaz tossed six innings, allowing just one earned run. If it were not for the blown save, he would have been credited with the win. Lovullo confirmed that Diaz will stay in the Diamondbacks’ starting rotation. This means Diaz will receive one more start before the All-Star break, pitching against the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend.
The Diamondbacks will look to get back to the .500 mark with their ace Zac Gallen on the mound tonight at 6:40 pm. Last season against the Braves, Gallen allowed five earned runs in 13 innings.
