TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays activated veteran reliever Paul Sewald on Friday before the opener of a three-game series against the visiting New York Yankees.

The 36-year-old right-hander was claimed off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday. 

Sewald will likely be used primarily against right-handed hitters and could be a mid-game or late-inning option, manager John Schneider said in his pre-game availability. 

“He’s ready to get to work and he’s ready for any kind of role that does develop,” Schneider said.

Sewald was 2-5 with 24 saves and a 6.23 ERA over 45 appearances this year for the Diamondbacks. The 10-year MLB veteran, has a 4.30 earned-run average over 426 career regular-season games. 

Submariner Tyler Rogers and closer Louis Varland are Toronto’s main high-leverage options.

The Blue Jays also optioned reliever Lazaro Estrada to triple-A Buffalo. The right-hander was 1-1 with a 5.54 ERA and one save over eight appearances.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 14, 2026.Â