D-backs sign Littell, make 'agonizing' decision to DFA Sewald

PHOENIX -- The Diamondbacks made what they felt was a necessary, if difficult, decision to designate former closer Paul Sewald for assignment Monday as they made room for the signing of veteran right-hander Zack Littell.

Littell was designated for assignment by the Nationals on Wednesday and, after clearing waivers, he was free to sign with any team.

The Diamondbacks plan to use him initially out of the bullpen as a long reliever, but they could also use him as a bulk-innings pitcher if they decide to use an opener at some point. He also provides insurance should they experience any more injuries in the rotation.

The addition of Littell, though, meant the departure of Sewald, a veteran who had a great deal of success during two stints in Arizona over the past four seasons and was a well-liked and respected member of the clubhouse.

"It was a brutal decision," Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. "You know, he's meant so much to this organization. He's closed out 24 games. He's just such a great competitor and was having so much success. And on top of that, he's a friend to all of us. Like, he's just a good person. He's a great husband. He's a great father. He stands for all the things that we believe in here as an Arizona Diamondback. So to say goodbye to him was not easy. It was agonizing."

The 36-year-old Sewald was originally acquired by the Diamondbacks at the Trade Deadline in 2023 and his presence helped stabilize the bullpen, as Arizona would go on to a surprising run to the World Series before falling in five games to the Rangers.

Injuries limited him in 2024 and he wound up signing with the Guardians in 2025 before being dealt to the Tigers at the Trade Deadline.

This year, the Diamondbacks signed him as a free agent after Spring Training opened, and he pitched well during the spring and earned the closer's role.

The start of the season went well for Sewald, who converted 23 of his first 24 save opportunities, before the bottom fell out for him.

In his last six appearances for the Diamondbacks, he had a 24.55 ERA and lost the closer's job. Once he was moved out of a leverage role, the team decided it was better off with someone else as a long reliever because that is not a role that Sewald was familiar with.

Left-hander Brandyn Garcia and righties Jonathan Loáisiga, Kevin Ginkel and Juan Morillo have performed well in the late innings and taken over closing out games by committee.

Littell signed a one-year deal with the Nationals this offseason and was a steady option every five days, whether serving as the starting pitcher or bulk reliever. Things clicked during May when he posted a 2.35 ERA and 1.01 WHIP across six appearances before things headed south; in 10 outings since June 12, he’s posted a 1-4 record to go along with a 5.25 ERA.

Littell said he had a number of different teams show interest in signing him. Some would have used him as a starter, which is a role he prefers, but the opportunity to join the Diamondbacks outweighed that.

"Obviously the opportunity to come over here and make a little playoff push," Littell said. "They've been playing really, really good baseball. So to be a part of that and hopefully help these guys win, it'll be fun. I feel like, despite what's transpired throughout the year, I still have a lot to offer. And having been in the bullpen for extended time previously in my career, I think will benefit me in this situation."

In another roster move Monday, the team activated Michael Soroka from the injured list so he could start the game. To make room on the roster, right-handed reliever Kade Strowd was optioned to Triple-A Reno.