PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo is still making decisions on how to handle the bullpen this season, and most fans are anticipating who will take on the closer role to start the year.

One name that has surfaced is right-hander Paul Sewald.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald (38) throws to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning at Chase Field on Sept. 2, 2024, in Phoenix. © Rob Schumacher / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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On Wednesday, Lovullo spoke to the media about where things stand with the bullpen and how the structure is coming together. He suggested that the ninth-inning role has yet to be determined and is opting to wait until a save situation arises before naming one — but he did mention Sewald in his response.

“You’ll probably figure it out as I’m doing it,” Lovullo said to Arizona Sports. “That’s kind of the mindset I’ll have right now… Of course, I love where Paul Sewell is at. He’s been throwing the heck out of the ball. We have other guys that have been doing the exact same thing… You’ll start to see the pattern at that point. That would be my mindset.”

Despite expressing caution, many fans have interpreted the comments as a possible return to Sewald as the team’s closer — with mixed reactions.

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Sewald re-signed with the organization this offseason after spending 2025 with the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers. He first arrived in the desert at the 2023 trade deadline, when the Diamondbacks needed someone to close out tight games.

Jun 4, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald (38) throws in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The right-hander delivered in that role, helping Arizona secure key wins during its run to an unforgettable 2023 postseason. However, 2024 brought unevenness, marked by inconsistency that raised questions about his reliability in high-leverage situations.

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In his 2024 campaign, Sewald posted a 4.31 ERA, and several of his save opportunities late in the season resulted in losses. Many fans point to that stretch as a reason for skepticism about him returning to the closer role.

However, some believe the concern goes beyond Sewald’s performance and reflects a broader distrust between fans and Lovullo’s bullpen management. The bullpen has been a focal point for Arizona entering the season, with uncertainty around defined roles contributing to inconsistent performances.

Largely due to injuries, the Diamondbacks set a record last season with 15 different pitchers recording a save. With constant movement and little consistency, questions remain about how roles will be defined moving forward.

Some believe Sewald has a case to reclaim the closer role, especially based on his performances in the Cactus League. One fan noted his outing against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, when he delivered a clean inning without allowing a hit.

Jun 29, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jose Herrera (11) and pitcher Paul Sewald (38) celebrate after defeating the Oakland Athletics at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

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Whether Sewald ultimately claims the role or shares opportunities remains to be seen, but the reaction highlights a key reality for the D-Backs: their ability to contend and make another postseason run will ultimately depend on how their pitching performs.

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde