Diamondbacks escape with win, but Paul Sewald concerns remain

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.

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.

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.”

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.