Diamondbacks Making Change to Closer Role

Following the Diamondbacks' win Wednesday, manager Torey Lovullo revealed that Sewald will pitch in lower-leverage situations for the time being.

"Just take him out of that high-leverage situation, let him get into a little bit of a rhythm and get him back to that spot as soon as possible," Lovullo said.

Additionally, Lovullo declined to name Garcia as Arizona's new closer. Instead, he said the Diamondbacks plan to play matchups late in games depending on the situation.

Lovullo's post-game comments suggest Arizona is moving toward a closer-by-committee approach. The Diamondbacks have several relievers they could use in those high-leverage situations, including Garcia (2.17 ERA), Juan Morillo (2.68 ERA), Kevin Ginkel (3.18 ERA), and Jonathan Loáisiga (2.57 ERA). Taylor Clarke (2.23 ERA) could also factor into the mix.

This season, Sewald has converted 24 of his 27 save opportunities. While that conversion rate is solid, his saves have not come easily; his 5.26 ERA reflects that. As mentioned earlier, the home run ball has been Sewald's Achilles' heel, as he has surrendered 11 home runs in 37.2 innings. That total is already a career-high and more than he allowed in 2024 and 2025 combined (10).

Even with Sewald's struggles, Arizona's bullpen has done enough to keep the Diamondbacks in postseason contention. The group owns a 4.15 ERA, which ranks 17th in MLB.

Arizona could also receive reinforcements later this season. Justin Martinez has not pitched all year after undergoing Tommy John surgery for a right UCL sprain last June. The young right-hander threw a bullpen session Saturday before completing a one-inning, 20-pitch live batting practice session Tuesday. Arizona hopes to have Martinez back before the regular season concludes.

Nonetheless, moving Sewald out of the closer role for now is a clear wake-up call for the veteran. It also comes at a time when the Diamondbacks cannot afford to lose ground in a tight National League Wild Card race.

After winning a crucial series in Pittsburgh, Arizona (57-52) is tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for the second National League Wild Card spot. The Diamondbacks hold just a 1.5-game lead over the San Diego Padres for the final postseason spot, with four additional teams sitting within three games.

Arizona has an off day Thursday before concluding its 10-game road trip with a weekend series against the Cleveland Guardians beginning Friday at 7:10 pm ET.