Diamondbacks parting ways with veteran reliever

Paul Sewald. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Diamondbacks parting ways with veteran reliever

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 10, 2026 3:05 PM ET

The Arizona Diamondbacks are fresh off a series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Despite the recent success, Arizona made a bit of a surprising roster move on Monday. According to Phoenix sports talk host John Gambadoro, the Diamondbacks have designated Paul Sewald for assignment.

Sewald has been the closer all season long and is tied for eighth in the major leagues with 24 saves this season. He hadn't recorded a save since July 24 and was no longer being used in his usual closer role.

A roster move was needed for right-hander Michael Soroka to be activated ahead of Monday's game, and it was Sewald who fell victim to that.

BREAKING: Paul Sewald has been designated for assignment by the Diamonbacks, per @Gambo987.

Michael Soroka will be activated from the IL for his start tonight. pic.twitter.com/r32trZsXJe
— SleeperDiamondbacks (@SleeperDbacks) August 10, 2026

Paul Sewald never quite figured things out this season

Sewald's 24 saves are actually quite impressive, considering his 6.23 ERA across 45 appearances. He's allowed 11 runs over his last seven outings, including an appearance against the Cleveland Guardians in which he surrendered five runs without recording an out.

The lack of success for Sewald this season is mostly due to one area of concern, and that is home runs allowed. Sewald has allowed 12 home runs in 39 innings pitched, giving him the worst HR/9 rate of his career.

The 12 home runs allowed are also the most Sewald has ever surrendered in a season. Sewald has shown flashes of success this season, so there will likely be a market out there for him.

Whether that is a contending team that thinks it can work with him to figure things out or a struggling team that just needs innings is yet to be seen.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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