Torey Lovullo speaks on Diamondbacks current closer situation

The Diamondbacks have enjoyed numerous successes across their roster this season, but one area that remains a concern is the closer role.

Paul Sewald, after returning from an injury that sidelined him for the first month of the season, initially appeared unstoppable, throwing 10.1 consecutive scoreless innings. However, things quickly unraveled for the Diamondbacks’ closer in early July. Sewald blew three saves in three consecutive games, allowing seven earned runs over just 1.2 innings.

His struggles resurfaced later in the month, with a fourth blown save on July 28th, and he nearly blew a fifth on July 21st. In response, manager Torey Lovullo announced that Sewald would be temporarily removed from the closer role.

Ryan Thompson was initially given the opportunity to fill the position, but his tenure was short-lived. Thompson allowed runs in three consecutive appearances at the start of August, and although the Diamondbacks won all three games, Lovullo decided to make another change.

With limited options, Lovullo turned to 23-year-old rookie Justin Martinez, who had no prior closing experience before August. Martinez started strong but recently allowed runs in three of his last four appearances, prompting yet another difficult decision for Lovullo.

During an interview on the Burns and Gambo show, Lovullo discussed his thought process regarding the closer role. “Justin Martinez is a 22-year-old, still-developing relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks,” Lovullo explained. “To put him in that role and tell him it’s his, I just don’t think it would be treating him fairly. He wants the position, and there are three or four guys down there that want it.”

Lovullo continued, “I know what the state of Arizona wants. They want the 101 MPH sinker with the splitter that just falls off the table to be the benchmark for what we have, and they want it to work every single time. Truth be told, it won’t happen every single time.”

While Lovullo did not name a definitive closer, he acknowledged that several players are eager to prove they can handle the role. He did mention that Kevin Ginkel might be a candidate to see action in the 9th inning this month. Despite the challenges, Lovullo remained optimistic, expressing confidence in his bullpen and their ability to step up when called upon.