Paul Sewald is saving games, but will the Diamondbacks need to readdress the closer role?

Ahead of the 2026 season, many wondered who would take on the ninth-inning responsibilities with right-hander and occasional closer Justin Martinez sidelined for the majority of the year. While many pointed to different arms throughout the bullpen, manager Torey Lovullo told media members he would not have a set closer, and all roles would be fluid.

It didn’t take long for it to become apparent who would reclaim the back end of the bullpen: Paul Sewald.

Jun 14, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (38) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Sewald, who is in his second stint with Arizona, signed with the club on a one-year, $1.5 million deal. He was the club’s closer after being acquired from the Seattle Mariners before the 2023 trade deadline. While his contributions helped pave the way for the Diamondbacks’ 2023 World Series run, the following season was a different story.

After a rocky 2024 and spending 2025 with two other organizations, Sewald returned to the Valley and has converted 23 of 25 save opportunities. Although Tuesday marked just his second blown save of the season, it wasn’t the only thing that reignited the closer conversation.

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Paul Sewald (38) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals at Chase Field in Phoenix, on July 18, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The right-hander currently owns a 4.71 ERA — the highest in the club’s current bullpen and far from ideal for a pitcher tasked with protecting late leads or keeping games within striking distance to give the offense a chance to come back. His numbers over the last two months have only amplified those concerns.

Since June 1, Sewald has posted a 6.00 ERA despite recording nine saves in 16 appearances. Even in several of those save opportunities, he has allowed one or two runs.

Jul 9, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald (38) points out to the outfield after the Diamondbacks beat the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

It’s not that Sewald can’t finish games — converting 23 of 25 save chances proves he can. It’s how those saves have come. Too often, he allows traffic or runs before recording the final outs, leaving little margin for error. That’s where the conversation stems from.

Those concerns become even more significant considering where the Diamondbacks are in the standings. Every game carries added weight with Arizona battling for a National League Wild Card spot, and late-inning leads become increasingly valuable as the regular season winds down.

Jul 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald (38) throws against the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

A shaky ninth inning can quickly turn a crucial win into a costly loss, making the closer role — once again — a crucial question to answer. Whether Lovullo continues to stick with Sewald or opts to lean on another arm, Arizona needs consistent production in the role if it wants to remain in the postseason picture.