PITTSBURGH — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 8-7 extra-inning win over the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday night was a nail-biter. More importantly, it continued to raise one question: Is Paul Sewald still the right person to close games?
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Jul 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) gestures as he circles the bases on a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The D-Backs looked poised to take the win in regulation, leading the Pirates 6-0 in the bottom of the eighth inning. However, a turbulent inning by right-hander Ryan Thompson allowed Pittsburgh to cut the lead in half heading into the ninth. Instead of a comfortable win, it became a save opportunity for Sewald — and it wasn’t his night.
A two-run homer followed by a solo shot tied the game, marking the closer’s third blown save of the season. He eventually recorded one out before being pulled as the game went into extra innings.
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
Sewald’s three earned runs raised his ERA to 5.26, including a whopping 11.57 ERA over his last six games. Needless to say, his status as the closer is the biggest talking point despite the win.
While Sewald has still converted saves this season, the underlying numbers tell a different story. His inflated ERA raises legitimate questions about whether he can continue producing in the ninth inning. An ERA north of five, especially for a pitcher consistently tasked with securing wins like Tuesday’s, isn’t just less than ideal.
It raises concern that outings like Tuesday’s won’t be isolated incidents.
Here is what Torey had to say about Paul Sewald after the game. I don’t think he can just remove him from the closer’s role without discussing with the front office first, and that seems to be what he’s saying here pic.twitter.com/FONbZzW6f4
— Jack Sommers (@shoewizard59) July 29, 2026
Manager Torey Lovullo spoke to reporters after the game about Sewald’s outing, saying the team will continue to rely on him to get those “big outs” and give him the ball. However, when a reporter asked whether Sewald would get the next save opportunity, Lovullo didn’t provide a clear answer.
“I haven’t thought anything about tomorrow,” he said, according to SI’s Jack Sommers. “I’ve got to get through right now, but if there is something that will happen, I’ll make sure that I talk to the right people first.”
Jul 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Jake Mangum (28) greets second baseman Brandon Lowe (5) crossing home plate on a two run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
It’s clear the club still views Sewald as a valuable piece of the bullpen, trusting him to get the outs needed to secure wins. But Lovullo’s reluctance to commit to Sewald for the next save opportunity leaves the door open for change if the struggles continue.
With the postseason race intensifying, every late-inning decision will matter, and the Snakes may soon have to decide whether sticking with Sewald remains the best path forward.
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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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