Paul Sewald Using A Changeup This Spring
8 months agoArizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald has added a changeup to his arsenal this spring training. He hasn't thrown a changeup with any kind of regularity since the 2020 season. Upon arriving in Seattle before the 2021 season, he rode his fastball/slider combination into the closer's role for the Mariners. Through four Cactus League appearances, Sewald hasn't allowed a single run. Of the three changeups he's thrown that were put in play, he's recorded four outs. In the last three seasons, he has 65 saves, a 2.95 ERA, 136 ERA+ and 12.2 K/9. His 2.75 xERA, .189 xBA, 85.9 mph average exit velocity, 32.1% strikeout rate and 29.9 hard-hit percentage all ranked among the 94th percentile or better across the majors in 2023. Sewald doesn't have a high-velocity fastball like most closers, so the addition of a changeup should make his heater more effective. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 13 fantasy closer in the game.
Source: MLB.com - Jesse Borek
Source: MLB.com - Jesse Borek