Guardians' Paul Sewald: Earns save in Cleveland debut
Rotowire
Sewald earned the save in Thursday's 7-4 extra-inning win over the Royals, striking out one in a perfect 10th inning.
After Kansas City tied the game off Emmanuel Clase in the bottom of the ninth, Sewald successfully preserved a three-run lead in the 10th to earn the save in his first appearance with the Guardians. Sewald, who signed a one-year deal with Cleveland in the offseason, started the 2024 season as the Diamondbacks' closer, though he struggled in the second half before eventually losing the ninth-inning job. While Sewald won't overtake Clase, it looks like the 34-year-old right-hander will be trusted with a high-leverage role.
The Guardians signed Sewald to a one-year, $6 million contract Wednesday that includes a $10 million mutual option for 2026, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.
He'll get a $1 million buyout if the mutual option isn't exercised, bringing the total guarantee to $7 million. Sewald missed some time with injury and lost his closer job with the Diamondbacks in 2024, ultimately finishing with a 4.31 ERA and 43:10 K:BB over 39.2 innings. However, from 2021 to 2023 he held a 2.95 ERA and had a 33.9 percent strikeout rate. Sewald will help set up for Emmanuel Clase in Cleveland.
Diamondbacks' Paul Sewald: Throws to hitters Saturday
Rotowire
Sewald (neck) threw an 18-pitch live batting practice session Saturday, MLB.com reports.
Sewald followed up a 23-pitch bullpen session Tuesday with Saturday's effort at Chase Field. The reliever could be an option during the postseason, if Arizona qualifies.
Sewald (neck) played catch Friday and is scheduled to throw a bullpen session within the next few days, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.
Sewald has been on the shelf since Sunday due to an issue on the left side of his neck, and Friday marks the first time he's done any sort of throwing since then. It remains unclear if he'll be able to return to the Snakes' bullpen before the end of the regular season, but the team may know more once the 34-year-old is able to begin mound work.
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