The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing a challenging time as they have placed right-handed reliever Paul Sewald on the 15-day injured list due to discomfort on the left side of his neck. This move, which was made retroactively from Thursday, underscores the ongoing issues the team has had with player health this season. Sewald, who is 34 years old, last stepped onto the mound on September 8 against the Houston Astros, where he allowed two hits and one run in a brief one-inning appearance. The reliever’s record stands at 1-2 with 16 saves and a 4.31 ERA across 39.2 innings, reflecting the struggles he has faced this season. Notably, he began the year on the injured list with a strained left oblique, adding to the concerns regarding his durability.
Sewald’s overall career statistics indicate that while he has had moments of success—with 84 saves and a 4.09 ERA in 359 relief appearances—this season has not been optimal for him. The Diamondbacks’ bullpen, reliant on Sewald as a key figure, now faces uncertainty without his contributions.
Moreno’s Return and Walston’s Debut
On a more positive note for the Diamondbacks, catcher Gabriel Moreno has been reinstated from the 10-day IL following a strained left adductor muscle, which sidelined him after an injury sustained during an August game against the Cleveland Guardians. Moreno has had a solid season, batting .262 with five home runs and 41 RBIs over 86 games. With a career average of .279, he is expected to bolster an often-struggling batting lineup as they head into a crucial period.
Rookie left-hander Blake Walston has also been recalled from Triple-A Reno. The 23-year-old made his major league debut on May 1 and has shown promise with a 2.84 ERA across 12.2 innings in the big leagues. His ability to perform well will be closely monitored, as the team hopes to stabilize their pitching staff further during this critical juncture of the season, especially with Sewald’s absence.
Floro Exits and Future Implications
In a surprising twist, right-handed pitcher Dylan Floro has been designated for assignment after an underwhelming stint with the Diamondbacks. Floro, who was acquired from the Washington Nationals in late July, posted a concerning 9.37 ERA across 16.1 innings with Arizona. His prior performance with the Nationals was significantly better, showcasing a 2.06 ERA in 52.1 innings. The Diamondbacks need to reassess their bullpen options, as the departure of Floro may open opportunities for other arms to step up.
As the Diamondbacks navigate these roster shifts and injuries, every decision and performance in the coming days and weeks will be crucial. The team will have to rely on its depth and emerging talent to offset the loss of experienced players like Sewald and Floro, all while maintaining their competitive edge as they push towards the season’s final stretch.
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