The Diamondbacks have had their share of problems in recent days, but, since closer Paul Sewald returned from injury, the bullpen has not been one of them.

-Jesse Friedman

Paul Sewald already making big impact in Diamondbacks' bullpen

When Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald suffered an oblique strain just days before the 2024 season began, manager Torey Lovullo knew that he could not easily be replaced.

"We knew it was going to be a little bit of a grind," Lovullo said on Sunday. "Everybody was going to step into an unknown role, an unknown space.

"At the start of the season, we were all uncomfortable and curious about what was going to happen."

Sure enough, the Diamondbacks' bullpen was a weakness out of the gate, posting a 4.57 ERA through May 6, which ranked 22nd in baseball.

Sewald returned from his oblique injury on May 7. Since then, the unit has posted a 3.55 ERA, which ranks 11th.

"It's like papa's coming home," Lovullo said, "and we can all sleep tight tonight. That's what it feels like. We can all relax a little bit and kind of get into our own little nest and sit where we feel most comfortable. That's kind of the feeling he gives everybody."

In seven innings since coming off the IL, Sewald has allowed just one run on three hits with seven strikeouts and one walk. He has gone 4-for-4 in save opportunities and has a 1.29 ERA.

As a team, the Diamondbacks have gone 5-1 in one-run games since Sewald's return, and only twice in that span has a D-backs relief pitcher been charged with a loss. In both of those cases, the opponent's run(s) were unearned.

Before Sewald came back, opposing hitters hit an eye-popping .342/.426/.513 against D-backs relievers in high-leverage situations, according to Fangraphs. Since he returned, they have hit just .236/.323/.364.

The Diamondbacks have felt Sewald's outsized impact on the bullpen before. Last year, D-backs relievers had a 4.44 ERA before the team acquired Sewald at the trade deadline, and a 3.84 ERA after it.

Sewald's value extends beyond the fact that he is a proven closer, something the team lacks in his absence. His presence in the bullpen also sets his teammates up for success.

"It pushes everybody back a level," Lovullo said. "Gives me a lot of versatility inside of the game from the sixth inning on to create the matchups that I want. And I feel like I always have an extra guy sitting in my pocket that I'm able to use if needed."

Said Diamondbacks catcher Tucker Barnhart: "It's crazy that one guy lengthens a bullpen so much. But he does."

In Sewald's absence, the Diamondbacks turned to Kevin Ginkel as their primary closer. Ginkel's performance has slipped of late, but he was just fine in the closer role while he was in it. Outside of Ginkel, though, the team had only Ryan Thompson as an established backend reliever. Thompson has been sensational all year with a 0.79 ERA, but Lovullo could only throw him so often.

Now with Sewald back, veteran left-hander Joe Mantiply has been throwing well and 22-year-old flamethrower Justin Martinez has continued to emerge as a potential backend weapon, sporting a 0.59 ERA in 15 1/3 innings. Suddenly, the Diamondbacks have the makings of a solid bullpen, an asset that proved vital during the team's extended postseason run last year.

Sewald is not the only one responsible. But it would be difficult to overstate his impact.

"He's a very stabilizing force," Lovullo said. "When he's not around, you know when he's not around. When he is around, you definitely feel his presence. There's a lot to be said for that."

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