RADIO
Justin Martinez Could be a Stash Option
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez recently made his season debut after missing a majority of the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Martinez threw a scoreless inning against the Boston Red Sox during his season debut on Tuesday. He is pitching in low-leverage situations right now, but could work his way into the closer role in Arizona. Martinez earned 14 saves between the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the D-Backs. This team doesn't have a lockdown closer at the moment after Paul Sewald lost the job. Martinez could quickly slide into the role if he continues to pitch well. He's someone to keep an eye on as a possible stash in September.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Brandyn Garcia Remains an Appealing Deep-League Waiver-Wire Target
Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Brandyn Garcia has emerged as one of the better arms in his team's bullpen so far this season, recording a 2.48 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 42 strikeouts, and four saves across 36 1/3 innings (43 games). Since designating veteran reliever Paul Sewald for assignment in early August, Arizona has operated with a committee approach to the closer role. Along with Garcia, Diamondbacks right-handers Justin Martinez, Kevin Ginkel, and Juan Morillo are also candidates to see save chances. Still, Garcia has posted an excellent 30.4% strikeout rate while walking just 6.5% of the batters he's faced. He's also generated a 63.7% ground-ball rate while allowing just 0.50 HR/9. Even if Garcia does not see every save opportunity in Arizona, he should continue to provide elite ratios and could pick up the occasional win while working in high-leverage spots. In deeper leagues, Garcia could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brandyn Garcia a Deep-League Saves Source in Closer Committee
The Arizona Diamondbacks are currently using a closer-by-committee in the desert that involves left-hander Brandyn Garcia and right-handers Kevin Ginkel and Juan Morillo. Although Garcia's last save came on July 31, his three saves on the season currently lead the D-backs' bullpen, and he's been sharp in his second season in the big leagues with a 2.12 ERA (2.17 FIP), 0.79 WHIP, his first three career saves, 37 strikeouts, and only seven walks in 34 innings out of the bullpen. The 26-year-old southpaw immediately became a favorite of manager Tory Lovullo's in the ninth inning when the club demoted veteran right-hander Paul Sewald from the closer's role. In addition to his career-high three saves, Garcia has 13 holds as well, making him an interesting relief arm in leagues that count holds. Since the beginning of July, Garcia has allowed only four runs (three earned) while walking two, striking out 17, saving two games, and picking up five holds. He may be the best option for saves in Arizona the rest of the way, and he's rostered in under 20% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Kevin Ginkel May Be the Closer to Roster in Arizona
Across 50 innings (53 games) in 2026, Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Kevin Ginkel has recorded a 3.60 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 47 strikeouts, and 11 holds. The 32-year-old has largely been deployed in a setup role this season. However, the Diamondbacks recently designated veteran right-hander Paul Sewald for assignment. Sewald had been the team's closer for most of 2026 before running into major struggles in the second half of the season. Ginkel picked up his first save of the year on Sunday and could now be part of a closer committee in Arizona with left-hander Brandyn Garcia and right-hander Juan Morillo. Ginkel has the advantage of experience on his side, as he's logged 17 saves and 60 holds across 309 career innings with the Diamondbacks. In deeper leagues, Ginkel could be a worthy waiver wire target for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Diamondbacks Designate Reliever Paul Sewald for Assignment
The Arizona Diamondbacks designated veteran right-handed reliever Paul Sewald for assignment on Monday, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. Sewald started the year strong by converting 17 of his 18 save opportunities while striking out 29 and walking just seven in 26 1/3 innings pitched in his first 29 relief outings, but he fell out of favor quickly in the desert in the back of the bullpen with a 12.79 ERA, 1.89 WHIP, and eight home runs allowed in his last 12 2/3 innings pitched. The 36-year-old 10-year veteran was removed from Arizona's closer role, and now he's off the roster completely. The D-backs are back to a full-on closer-by-committee setup going forward, involving Brandyn Garcia, Kevin Ginkel, and Juan Morillo. Ginkel picked up the team's most recent save on Sunday, and he has the most experience with 17 career saves in his eight years in the majors. Sewald, who is 2-5 in 2026 with a 6.23 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 24 saves, and a 44:9 K:BB in 39 innings, could be an interesting waiver pickup for a team looking for veteran depth in their bullpen to close out the season.
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
Brandyn Garcia Emerging as a Must-Add Saves Source
Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Brandyn Garcia has emerged as one of his team's better bullpen arms so far this season, recording a 2.10 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with 36 strikeouts, 13 holds, and three saves across 30 innings (36 games). Garcia has logged an impressive 31.9% strikeout rate while posting just a 6.2% walk rate. He also owns a stellar 65.6% ground ball rate and has not allowed a home run yet in 2026. The 26-year-old appears to be establishing himself as the preferred closer in Arizona, as he's notched saves in each of his last two appearances. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Garcia should be a priority waiver wire target for fantasy managers in need of saves.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonathan Loaisiga Enters the Deep-League Saves Mix
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga has a path to save chances after manager Torey Lovullo removed Paul Sewald from the closer role. Arizona will play matchups rather than name one replacement, and Brandyn Garcia handled the ninth inning Wednesday before Lovullo confirmed the committee. Juan Morillo and Kevin Ginkel also remain part of a crowded late-inning picture. Loaisiga owns a 2.57 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 31 strikeouts and one save through 42 innings, but he has allowed three earned runs over his last two appearances. The strong ratios give him some value while the role develops, though the modest strikeout total keeps him dependent on saves and holds. Loaisiga is not included in RotoBaller's July 30 waiver rankings, so he remains a speculative addition rather than a priority pickup. He is worth considering in 15-team and NL-only leagues, while managers in 12-team formats should monitor Arizona's next few save chances.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brandyn Garcia Picks Up Second Save, a Deep-League Saves Target in Arizona
The Arizona Diamondbacks used left-handed reliever Brandyn Garcia for his second save of the season in their 3-0 victory over the hosting Pittsburgh Pirates in favor of veteran right-hander Paul Sewald. Garcia allowed a walk and struck out two in his inning of work to slam the door on the Bucs, and after the game, manager Torey Lovullo announced that Sewald is out as the closer. Unfortunately, Lovullo didn't specifically name Garcia as his go-to guy in the ninth inning going forward. It means that the D-backs will likely play the matchups late in games if they are ahead, and will most likely be operating with a closer-by-committee situation that could involve all of Garcia, Jonathan Loaisiga, Kevin Ginkel, and Juan Morillo. The 26-year-old Garcia entered Wednesday's action with a 2.25 ERA (1.72 FIP), one save, a 0.82 WHIP, and 33:6 K:BB in 28 relief innings in just his second big-league season. Garcia will be an option in the ninth going forward, but probably only if several lefties are due up for the opposing team. We wouldn't advise fantasy managers to chase the D-backs' bullpen situation unless you're absolutely desperate for saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Paul Sewald Out of the Closer's Role in Arizona
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said on Wednesday that right-hander Paul Sewald is out of the team's closer role, at least for now, and he will pitch in lower-leverage situations going forward, according to Jack Sommers of Sports Illustrated. Lovullo declined to specifically name left-hander Brandyn Garcia as the new closer, although Garcia picked up the save in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lovullo is expected to play the late-inning matchups for now, depending on the situation. When the skipper was asked about veteran righty Kevin Ginkel as an option for saves, Lovullo mentioned right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga. In addition to Garcia, Loaisiga, and Ginkel, right-hander Juan Morillo could be an option in the ninth inning for the Snakes going forward. Sewald blew two of his last three save chances, and although the veteran has 24 saves in 2026, he also has an ugly 5.26 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 43:9 K:BB in 37 2/3 innings. It looks like a full-blown closer-by-committee situation in Arizona now, which isn't ideal for fantasy purposes.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Sommers
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Sommers
Paul Sewald Allows Two Runs in Blown Save as Rough Patch Lingers
Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald had a rough outing on Tuesday night against the Athletics, allowing two earned runs on two hits for his second blown save of the season. The 36-year-old ranks sixth in baseball with 23 saves, but he's hit a rough patch of late. Across his last eight innings pitched (nine games), Sewald has allowed four home runs and 10 earned runs. The long ball has been a major issue for the veteran right-hander, as he's allowed 2.23 HR/9. Sewald has the advantage of experience on his side, as he's collected 109 saves across 421 career MLB games. He also owns a 28.8% strikeout rate with just a 6.2% walk rate, good for a stellar 22.6% K-BB rate. However, Arizona may be forced to go in a different direction in the ninth inning if Sewald keeps allowing home runs at his current pace.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Paul Sewald Still a Must-Roster Closer in 12-Team Leagues?
Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald remains the ninth-inning option, even after a rough finish to June. The 36-year-old worked a scoreless ninth in a tie against Milwaukee on Friday, July 3, after surrendering five runs over his previous two appearances. He has 19 saves, a 4.35 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts in 31 innings, with one blown save. That save total matters more than the uneven ratios in most standard formats. A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez remain on the 60-day injured list, and Puk was recently shut down after a shoulder setback. Kevin Ginkel and Juan Morillo provide late-inning alternatives, but MLB still lists Sewald as the closer. RotoBaller's latest weekend rankings place him among 12-team adds, a fair recommendation given the recent damage. Sewald is rostered in 64% of Yahoo leagues, and managers chasing saves should still make the claim while accepting some ERA risk.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Paul Sewald Holds On for Save No. 19, Still a Viable Option?
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald made it an adventure, but he navigated through some trouble on Monday to still close out his team's 5-4 win over the Giants. He earned his 19th save of the season, but allowed two runs on three hits. Heliot Ramos led off the ninth with a home run, and Bryce Eldrige singled and later scored on a single by pinch-hitter Drew Cavanaugh. Sewald got the final two outs with Eldridge stranded on first base as the potential tying run. The 36-year-old veteran has hit a bit of a rough patch, allowing six runs on eight hits in his last 3 2/3 innings across four appearances. If he continues to scuffle, Jonathan Loaisiga and Brandyn Garcia are candidates to step in and pick up some saves. Sewald did get the job done and still seems to be the top option for now, but his struggles definitely make this an important closer situation to monitor.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Paul Sewald Remains a Priority Saves Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 29 innings (32 games) in 2026, Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald has recorded a 2-4 record with a 4.03 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 33 strikeouts, and 18 saves. With an average fastball velocity of 91.3 miles per hour, Sewald no longer profiles as a prototypical high-end closer. However, he's struck out 29.2% of the batters he's faced so far this season while posting just a 7.1% walk rate. Sewald's ERA has been inflated by a few blowup outings and his 63.2% strand rate, which is well below his career mark fo 71%. The 36-year-old looks to be firmly entrenched in the ninth-inning role in Arizona and should be considered a priority target on the waiver wire for fantasy managers in need of saves.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Diamondbacks Promote Yilber Diaz, a Worthy Pickup in Standard Leagues?
The Arizona Diamondbacks are calling up right-handed pitching prospect Yilber Diaz from Triple-A Reno on Friday to replace right-hander Ryne Nelson (forearm) on the active MLB roster after he was diagnosed with a partially torn flexor tendon in his forearm, according to Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro. Diaz, the team's No. 22 prospect per MLB Pipeline, will return to the big leagues after posting a 4.31 ERA (4.57 FIP), 1.47 WHIP, and 20:15 K:BB in 31 1/3 innings over eight appearances (four starts) in his first two years in the league in 2024 and 2025. The 25-year-old Venezuelan returns to Arizona after going 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, four saves, and a 43:21 K:BB in 32 innings in 26 relief appearances at Reno in 2026. Since he has made a full-time move to a relief role this year, fantasy managers should steer clear of Diaz for now. It's unclear exactly who will take Nelson's rotation spot in the desert, but it will most likely be Brandon Pfaadt.
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
Paul Sewald on a Roll, an Obvious Waiver Pickup for Saves
Arizona Diamondbacks veteran right-handed closer Paul Sewald doesn't light up the radar gun, is 36 years old, and has had his fair share of struggles in a high-leverage role in the past, but you can't argue with his results this year in the desert. The 10-year veteran has a 3.29 ERA (4.08 FIP), which also isn't exactly enticing for a ninth-inning arm, but he is currently tied for third in the majors with 18 saves in 2026 and also has a 0.73 WHIP and a 30.1% strikeout rate in 27 1/3 innings. Sewald is more prone to blow-ups than other high-end fantasy closers, sure, but he hasn't blown a save since May 13 against the Texas Rangers. Since then, he has only allowed two earned runs on four hits while walking two and striking out 12 in 12 innings over 12 outings with two wins and nine saves for the D-backs. In his first 18 appearances this year, Sewald had a 4.70 ERA (4.33 FIP) with an 0-4 record, nine saves, and one blown save. He's not perfect, but he should be rostered in more than the 68% mark in Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
