Overview
- The Diamondbacks designated Paul Sewald for assignment on Monday after removing him from the 40-man roster to open a spot for newly signed right-hander Zack Littell.
- Sewald began the season as Arizona’s closer but suffered a stark drop in July and August, surrendering seven home runs and 17 earned runs in roughly 10 2/3 innings and finishing the stretch with a 6.23 ERA and 24 saves on the year.
- Under roster rules the club now has seven days to trade, release, or outright Sewald, and because of his service time he can reject an outright assignment and elect free agency if he clears waivers.
- Zack Littell was added to provide starting depth and long-relief length after clearing waivers following his release by the Washington Nationals; the team views him as a multi-role, innings-eating option rather than a high-leverage closer.
- Reports on Aug. 12 say the Toronto Blue Jays claimed Sewald off waivers, a development that could end his time in Arizona and give him a fresh opportunity with another contender.