Report: D-backs to DFA former Mariners closer Paul Sewald

Former Seattle Mariners fan favorite Paul Sewald will reportedly be designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports.

New M’s prospect Boston Smith hits five HRs in first six games

Sewald, a 36-year-old right-hander, was recently demoted out of the D-backs’ closer role. He had been enjoying a resurgent season, owning a 3.08 ERA with 17 saves in 18 chances through June 14. He’s struggled in 16 appearances since to the tune of a 12.79 ERA, though he still converted seven of nine save opportunities over that stretch.

For the year, Sewald has a 6.23 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 24 saves, the latter of which is tied for eighth in MLB. His 12 home runs allowed is tied for the most by a relief pitcher this year.

Sewald reaches 100 career saves against the odds

This was Sewald’s second tenure with Arizona, the team the Mariners sent him to in a 2023 trade deadline move that brought outfielder Dominic Canzone and infielders Ryan Bliss and Josh Rojas to Seattle. Sewald rejoined the Diamondbacks in February out of free agency.

A 10th-round MLB Draft pick by the New York Mets in 2012, Sewald was an under the radar signing by the Mariners in 2021 who quickly rose to a prominent role in a stellar Seattle bullpen after being called up as a 30 year old from Triple-A Tacoma on the same day as top prospects Logan Gilbert and Jarred Kelenic.

In three seasons with the Mariners, Sewald had a 2.88 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 52 saves and 24 holds over 172 appearances. Using a sweeper and fastball combination from his lowered arm slot, he racked up 236 strikeouts for the M’s.

In addition to his time Seattle and Arizona, Sewald has pitched in the big leagues for the Mets (2017-20), Cleveland Guardians (2025) and Detroit Tigers (2025).

Seattle Mariners news and more

• Stefen Romero wins Mariners’ first Alumni Home Run Derby
• Two Mariners trade deadline nuggets from MLB insiders
• Morosi: The missing piece Seattle Mariners’ offense needs

Related

Mariners claim pitcher away from AL West rival Texas RangersM’s trade addition Boston Smith hits 5 HRs in first 6 games with AA ArkansasAL-best Rays beat Mariners 4-1 to complete sweepMariners come up short in 3-2 loss to RaysIconic broadcaster Rick Rizzs to join Mariners Hall of FameMariners unveil the top 50 players in franchise history