Guardians activate reliever Paul Sewald from IL

The Cleveland Guardians activated Paul Sewald from the injured list and the veteran appeared in relief in Saturday's game vs. the Detroit Tigers, pitching a perfect eighth inning with one strikeout.

In a corresponding move, the Guardians optioned lefty Doug Nikhazy to Triple-A Columbus.

Sewald pitched in 14 games for his new club before landing on the IL with a right shoulder strain on April 29. He had struggled, allowing eight earned runs in 11 2/3 innings of work (6.17 ERA). On a positive note, the right-hander had walked just two hitters while fanning 15.

Sewald saved 82 games from 2021-24 for the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks. He recorded six saves in 10 appearances for the Diamondbacks in their 2023 run to the World Series.

Sewald was expected to fill a setup role in Cleveland in front of All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase.