PHOENIX — With injured players making their way back to the active roster, the Arizona Diamondbacks have designated former closer Paul Sewald for assignment, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.
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Jul 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald against the Athletics at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The move comes after a turbulent few weeks for Sewald, who had been a stable force in the team’s ninth-inning duties. However, things began to fall out of place for the closer, allowing tight games to remain within reach for opposing teams and making things too close for comfort.
Sewald had re-signed with Arizona on a one-year deal after spending the 2025 season between the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers. While he didn’t play much due to injuries, he made his way back to the desert hoping to bounce back from a turbulent 2024 season, when he also struggled and was removed from the closer role.
Aug 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald (38) reacts after defeating the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
That return came with plenty of questions, especially given how much Sewald had meant to the Diamondbacks during their 2023 postseason run. The former D-Back originally landed in Phoenix in a trade ahead of the 2023 deadline and became part of the 1-2-3 punch alongside Ryan Thompson and Kevin Ginkel that helped lead the club to a National League pennant.
Sewald was able to secure much-needed wins and rank among the team’s leaders in saves ahead of the All-Star break this season. However, his inflated 6.23 ERA became too much to justify keeping him in the most important role within the bullpen, ultimately ending his tenure with 24 saves.
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
Fans had always been skeptical about Sewald’s re-signing, with some happy to see him return and find the rhythm that made him the dominant closer during the team’s 2023 playoff run. Others weren’t too sure if he could, especially given his struggles over the past two seasons.
Nonetheless, the Diamondbacks’ decision now brings an end to Sewald’s second stint in the desert, leaving the D-Backs faithful with plenty to say about his time in Sedona red.
Dbacks have moved on from Paul Sewald. He had a good run for a few months but wheels have fallen off over the last few weeks https://t.co/40X68lpGMG
— 🌵 Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) August 10, 2026
It finally happen! https://t.co/q20Wogi6CW
— dicemon095🕸 (@dicemon095_) August 10, 2026
Huge part of Arizona’s success early on in the year, wheels just fell off tho
Can’t be mad at ya Paul. Farewell https://t.co/UlkYYuLPqp
— Crobin Carol Enthusiast (@CorlekCarmas) August 10, 2026
Man. I am conflicted. He saved our bacon early in the season and was one of the top in saves for a long time. Until he wasn’t. And when he wasn’t, it wasn’t good. But what he gave to us this year cannot be diminished (and what he did in 23, well, he got us to the WS). #dbacks 🐍 https://t.co/ARsNhd4M0g
— Wendi (@GoWithWendi) August 10, 2026
— Donny (@TheDonny_74) August 10, 2026
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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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