The Arizona Diamondbacks' roster entered the 2024 regular season at close to full strength, though closer Paul Sewald was lost to a Grade 2 strain of his left oblique just days before Opening Day. It marked the first time that the durable Sewald needed to head the injured list in his seven-year major-league career.
When the injury first occurred, manager Torey Lovullo said that Sewald would be back in a matter of "weeks, not days." Luckily for the D-backs and fantasy managers, those weeks have come and gone.
Let’s see where Sewald's health is at in his progression from the issue.
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Paul Sewald Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball
After throwing several bullpen sessions, Sewald began a minor-league rehab assignment in late April on his way back from the injury. Following that outing, it was reported that the right-hander had a chance to return at some point during a weekend series from April 26-28 against his former Seattle Mariners team, but his throwing program was briefly slowed down due to soreness.
Paul Sewald Pain-Free And Ready To Return https://t.co/2Jo5jTjzah
— RotoBaller MLB (@RotoBallerMLB) May 7, 2024
Sewald later threw an inning in an extended spring training game on May 4, and all went well for the hurler. If Sewald continues to feel good, Arizona plans to activate him for the series opener against the Cincinnati Reds on May 7.
Paul Sewald Fantasy Baseball Outlook
The loss of Sewald was a big blow to the D-backs, who saw their bullpen drastically improve after the 33-year-old right-hander was acquired from the Mariners at last year's trade deadline. Even so, fellow righty Kevin Ginkel has filled in effectively with a 2.57 ERA (2.94 FIP) and 1.00 WHIP while striking out 14 batters and walking three to go alongside five saves over 14 innings during the 2024 regular season.
While Ginkel becomes an immediate drop candidate in competitive shallow leagues upon Sewald’s reinstatement, he’s worth holding for those who need holds.
Paul Sewald's 3Ks in the 9th. pic.twitter.com/kBgcxjY6t2
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 21, 2023
After landing in the desert last season, Sewald registered 13 saves with a 3.57 ERA (5.07 FIP), 1.47 WHIP, and 20:10 K:BB across 17.2 frames. Although those are inferior numbers to those of Ginkel’s, Sewald is expected to resume closing duties before long after converting six of his seven save opportunities during the club’s postseason run a year ago. Sewald belongs on all mixed-league rosters.