dailyloe.com – Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Paul Sewald has secured the team’s closer role after a disappointing 2023 with Cleveland. The right-hander recorded consecutive saves this week during Arizona’s sweep of the Detroit Tigers. This marks a significant turnaround for the veteran pitcher.
Sewald’s first save came Monday with a perfect ninth inning in a 9-6 victory. He struck out Spencer Torkelson to end the game. He followed this by striking out the side Tuesday in a 7-5 win.
His fastball velocity has increased dramatically this season. It now tops 92.6 miles per hour after averaging just 90.2 mph last year. Sewald previously stated the velocity drop was not injury-related but needed addressing.
The pitcher spent considerable offseason time at Driveline Baseball. This facility specializes in pitcher development and optimization. His work there appears to have revitalized his performance.
Sewald originally joined Arizona via a 2023 trade deadline deal with Seattle. He recorded 13 regular-season saves for the D-backs last year. His current success builds on that earlier foundation with the team.
His tenure with Cleveland was brief and underwhelming before the trade. The Guardians had signed him to a $7 million contract hoping for a setup role. He delivered only 15 1/3 innings before being moved.
Now Sewald finds himself pitching in high-leverage situations consistently. His early-season form suggests a reliable late-inning option for Arizona. The Diamondbacks will rely on his experience as the season progresses.[]
Source: Away Back Gone
