2026 Transactions: D-Backs DFA Sewald, Royals Sign Kimbrel

Add another team to the lengthy list of clubs that Craig Kimbrel has, and will, pitch for. Kimbrel joined the Royals on August 10, a day that saw notable reliever movement. The Diamondbacks cut Paul Sewald off the 40-man roster.

Sewald cut by Arizona

The Arizona Diamondbacks have designated reliever Paul Sewald for assignment (h/t Arizona Sports 98.7).

Arizona re-signed Sewald in February of this year, and he wound up winning the closer job with A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez on the IL. For much of 2026, Sewald pitched well in that role. But over the last few weeks, things have changed.

Since the start of July, Sewald conceded six home runs and 12 earned runs over his last nine innings. He was pushed out of the closer’s role weeks ago, and now is off the Arizona roster.

Royals add veteran Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel was signed to a Major League deal by the Kansas City Royals.

Kimbrel made 33 appearances between the Mets and Rays this season. The first 14 came with the Mets, while the rest were as a Tampa Bay Ray. His peripherals were not too bad with the Rays over his final few outings; he struck out 10 and posted a 4.22 ERA over his final 10.2 IP.

Recalls & options

Charles McAdoo (Blue Jays), Jonathan Pintaro (Mets), Chase Shugart (Phillies), and Cam Sanders (Orioles) were recalled from the Minors.

Cade Povich (Orioles), Davis Schneider (Blue Jays), Easton McGee (Royals), Lazaro Estrada (Blue Jays), and Ivan Johnson (Reds) were optioned.

Other notes

Toronto selected the contract of Simeon Woods Richardson from Triple-A Buffalo.

The Astros claimed outfielder Nelson Velazquez off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.

Seattle claimed pitcher Nolan Kingham off waivers from the Texas Rangers.

The Marlins claimed Wikelman Gonzalez off waivers from the White Sox. Chicago designated Gonzalez for assignment several days earlier. He was optioned to Triple-A immediately after the move.

Willie MacIver (Blue Jays) and Shay Whitcomb (Astros) were designated for assignment.

Blue Jays outfielder Rudy Martin Jr. was outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo.

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