Paul Sewald DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (oblique) is going to open the regular season on the injured list, according to manager Torey Lovullo. This is a tough break for the D-Backs as Sewald has reportedly suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain. The organization has not given a timetable for Sewald's return, but he'll likely miss at least most of April. The expectation is that Kevin Ginkel will operate as the closer until Sewald returns. Possibly, Miguel Castro and Joe Mantiply will be in the mix as well. For now, Ginkel looks like the pitcher worth rostering in fantasy formats while Sewald recovers.

Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald has added a changeup to his arsenal this spring training. He hasn't thrown a changeup with any kind of regularity since the 2020 season. Upon arriving in Seattle before the 2021 season, he rode his fastball/slider combination into the closer's role for the Mariners. Through four Cactus League appearances, Sewald hasn't allowed a single run. Of the three changeups he's thrown that were put in play, he's recorded four outs. In the last three seasons, he has 65 saves, a 2.95 ERA, 136 ERA+ and 12.2 K/9. His 2.75 xERA, .189 xBA, 85.9 mph average exit velocity, 32.1% strikeout rate and 29.9 hard-hit percentage all ranked among the 94th percentile or better across the majors in 2023. Sewald doesn't have a high-velocity fastball like most closers, so the addition of a changeup should make his heater more effective. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 13 fantasy closer in the game.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and right-handed reliever Paul Sewald settled at $7.35 million for the 2024 campaign to avoid salary arbitration on Thursday, according to sources. Sewald was dealt from the Seattle Mariners to the D-backs at the trade deadline last summer and became a stabilizing force at the back end of Arizona's bullpen in the second half of the season as the team eventually advanced to the World Series. In 65 total appearances between Seattle and Arizona, Sewald had a decent 3.12 ERA (3.57 FIP), 1.15 WHIP and a career-high 34 saves while walking 24 and striking out 80 in 60 2/3 regular season innings. The 33-year-old veteran has a strong strikeout rate and should be targeted as a top-15 fantasy closer as Arizona's go-to guy for the ninth inning.