Arizona, Minnesota, N.Y. Mets, L.A. Dodgers and more

We are at the August/September stretch in the season where bullpen decisions are short-term decisions. Skills still matter. A great reliever could have a terrible outing and a terrible reliever could go on a great run, given the innings remaining. But your better bet is better skill sets, all else being equal.

With that in mind, this column looks at some changing roles as we head into the trade deadline on Monday. Expect an avalanche of moves on Monday--evaluate each move through the lens of the overall deployment strategy of the team in light of the skill sets available. 

With that, we start with the Arizona Diamondbacks where Paul Sewald (RHP, ARI) is finally out as closer. The 2.7 HR/9 did him in, despite a 28% K% and 22% K%-BB% and...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Relief Pitchers

Skills always matter. Here are five more pens as we head towards August.
Jul 26 2026 3:05am
Buyers and sellers at the deadline always disrupt bullpens. Here are some potential teams to watch.
Jul 19 2026 3:06am
The relievers in this article are the ones most likely to have 20 or more holds at the end of the season.
Jul 12 2026 3:06am
This column examines the RPs who have at least a 20% K%-BB%, no more than a 1.0 HR/9, and no more than a 3.50 xERA as of July 1.
Jul 5 2026 3:09am
Returning closers and ineffective closers--this column has both and what to expect.
Jun 28 2026 3:07am

Tools