The Arizona Diamondbacks are moving away from a traditional closer after Paul Sewald's recent struggles.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are making a significant adjustment to the back end of their bullpen, moving away from a designated closer in favor of a closer-by-committee approach.
Manager Torey Lovullo's decision comes after veteran right-hander Paul Sewald struggled to consistently lock down games over the past two months. While Sewald will remain on the active roster, he is expected to work in lower-leverage situations as Arizona evaluates multiple late-inning options.
The move gives the Diamondbacks added flexibility while they continue their push for a National League Wild Card berth.
Recent struggles prompted the change
Although Sewald has converted 24 of his 27 save opportunities this season, his overall performance has declined as the year has progressed.
The veteran owns a 5.26 ERA and has endured a difficult stretch since the beginning of June, allowing runs in several recent appearances while surrendering home runs at one of the highest rates among Major League relievers.
His latest outing on July 28 accelerated the club's decision. Arizona appeared to be cruising toward a comfortable victory before the bullpen allowed the Pittsburgh Pirates back into the game.
Sewald entered with a three-run lead in the ninth inning but quickly watched it disappear after multiple extra-base hits and home runs forced the Diamondbacks to make another pitching change.
Arizona ultimately recovered to earn an extra-inning victory, but the near-collapse highlighted the need for a different approach in the ninth.
Several relievers could share save opportunities
Rather than handing the closer role to one replacement, Arizona plans to spread save chances across several relievers depending on matchups.
Rookie left-hander Brandyn Garcia has emerged as one of the club's most effective bullpen arms, posting an impressive ERA while missing bats at a high rate. However, because he is currently the team's only healthy left-handed reliever, the Diamondbacks are unlikely to reserve him exclusively for the ninth inning.
Right-handers Juan Morillo, Jonathan Loáisiga, and Kevin Ginkel are also expected to receive opportunities in late-game situations as Arizona evaluates its bullpen hierarchy.
Bullpen remains a deadline priority
Despite Sewald's struggles, Arizona's bullpen has remained competitive overall by limiting home runs and generating ground balls, even without elite strikeout numbers.
The front office is expected to explore bullpen upgrades before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, though financial flexibility could limit the club to affordable additions rather than marquee relievers.
Help could also arrive internally later this season. Hard-throwing reliever Justin Martinez continues progressing from elbow surgery and remains on track to return before the end of the regular season, potentially providing Arizona with another high-leverage option for the postseason race.
For now, the Diamondbacks will rely on a committee approach as they attempt to stabilize the ninth inning while remaining firmly in the playoff hunt.
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