PITTSBURGH — After the Arizona Diamondbacks secured a three-game series win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, manager Torey Lovullo revealed the team’s plans for the closer role after the game.
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Jul 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (38) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
With a chance to clinch the series, Lovullo gave the ball to left-hander Brandyn Garcia to get the final three outs of a 3-0 game instead of closer Paul Sewald in the bottom of the ninth inning. Garcia managed to get the three outs and secured the win, but the decision also raised questions about whether he would be next in line to take over the closer role.
The move came one day after Sewald’s latest struggles in a high-leverage situation.
Jun 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sewald has had a turbulent stretch of appearances, especially in high-leverage situations, where he has allowed several runs to make games too close for comfort or blown save opportunities. That happened Tuesday night, when the right-hander entered the bottom of the ninth with the Diamondbacks leading 6-3 and allowed the Pirates to tie the game before recording a single out.
Arizona eventually won the game in extra innings, but the outing sparked conversation about what Sewald’s role would be moving forward, especially with a 5.26 ERA.
Torey Lovullo said Paul Sewald is out of closer’s role, at least for now and will pitch in lower leverage situations
Declined to name Brandyn Garcia the closer. He will play matchups for now, depending on the situation
When asked if Ginkel was an option, he mentioned Loaisiga
— Jack Sommers (@shoewizard59) July 29, 2026
Lovullo spoke to reporters about the situation, saying Sewald will no longer serve as the closer for now and instead will pitch in lower-leverage situations. Rather than naming a new closer, Lovullo said the D-Backs will use matchups in the ninth inning.
The decision is a notable shift for Arizona’s bullpen after Sewald’s recent struggles. By turning to Garcia with a series win on the line and later announcing a matchup-based approach in the ninth inning, Lovullo made it clear the Snakes are prioritizing results over a traditional, set closer.
May 13, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (38) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
It’s especially important as the season progresses, as a loss to the Pirates on either Tuesday or Wednesday would have given Pittsburgh the tiebreaker advantage between the two teams. That could prove costly for Arizona down the line if playoff positions are at stake.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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