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.
Diamondbacks' Paul Sewald: Heads to IL with neck issue
Rotowire
The Diamondbacks placed Sewald on the 15-day injured list Sunday with left neck discomfort.
The timing of Sewald's move to the IL means that he won't be eligible to return until the Diamondbacks' final series of the regular season, which begins Sept. 27. Even before the neck issue cropped up, Sewald's fantasy value had been on the downturn with Justin Martinez having started to build up security as the Diamondbacks' preferred closing option. Sewald didn't help his case for regaining the closer's gig after giving up at least one run in four of his last six appearances before landing on the IL.
Diamondbacks' Paul Sewald: Cedes two homers in loss
Rotowire
Sewald allowed two runs on two hits while striking out one over 1.2 innings in Friday's 10-9 loss to the Dodgers.
The Diamondbacks didn't have all bullpen arms available -- Ryan Thompson and Justin Martinez worked the previous two days -- and manager Torey Lovullo wanted to save Kevin Ginkel and A.J. Puk in case Arizona took a lead, the manager told Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. As such, Lovullo went with Sewald in a high-leverage situation -- two on and one out in the seventh inning. Sewald retired the first batter faced before giving up a three-run home run to Will Smith. An inning later, Shohei Ohtani took Sewald deep. That second blast turned out to be the difference maker, as Arizona got within one with a four-run ninth inning. Sewald has now allowed five earned runs in his last three appearances.
