When is Paul Sewald Coming Back? Fantasy Baseball Injury Return Update

Paul Sewald has been one of the more bankable relievers in fantasy baseball for the last couple of years. In 2021, Sewald earned 10 wins, 11 saves, and 104 strikeouts in 62 appearances. He parlayed that effort into a larger share of Seattle’s closer role in 2022 and achieved his first 20-save season. Sewald held on to that role and last year picked up another 21 saves before the end of July.

Sewald was dealt at the trade deadline to Arizona where he picked up another 19 saves down the stretch and through the playoffs. After signing a $7.35 million contract for 2024, he seemed like a lock to retain his closing role. Not much was asked of him during spring training, but he got the job done allowing just four hits in his six appearances.

Unfortunately, he suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain along the way and the Diamondbacks placed Sewald on the injured list to start the season. How is Sewald’s recovery going? Let’s look at the latest news to find out.

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Paul Sewald Injury Update For Fantasy Baseball

Sewald initially reported pain in his side on March 18 but was cleared for his last spring training appearance on March 23 after not experiencing pain in the interim. After feeling discomfort during that outing an MRI was ordered and revealed the injury. The Diamondbacks placed Sewald on the 15-day injured list to start the season and announced an expected recovery time of around six weeks.

By April 2 Sewald resumed throwing from 60 feet and was pain-free. So far he has progressed through the typical rehabilitation process of throwing from longer distances and on April 13 threw his first bullpen session followed by another one on April 16. The next step for Sewald’s path back to the D-Backs’ bullpen would be a minor league rehab assignment, but word is still out on when that will commence.

The #Dbacks still don't know when Paul Sewald will be able to go out on a rehab assignment pic.twitter.com/3Cx4RzJVfL

— Jack Sommers (@shoewizard59) April 15, 2024

Paul Sewald Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Sewald’s six-week recovery window would have the 33-year-old righty returning in early May. Fellow closer Jhoan Duran was shut down in spring training with the same injury, about a week ahead of Sewald. Duran is facing live hitters and will reportedly begin a rehab assignment this week. Hopefully, this means that Sewald is not too far behind but the Diamondbacks do not want to rush him back into action before he is ready.

Paul Sewald threw a 25-pitch bullpen today at SRF and Jordan Montgomery threw 44 pitches in the pen, Torey Lovullo said.

Whether Sewald throws another bullpen, a live BP or plays in a game next is TBD. Montgomery's debut also TBA.

— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) April 16, 2024

Sewald should continue to be stashed in fantasy. He's rostered in 90% of leagues so there's a slim chance you will find him on the wire but if he's there, now is the time to grab him. Kevin Ginkel has been getting the job done in Sewald’s absence but he shouldn’t challenge for ninth-inning duties. Ginkel has collected three saves and 10 strikeouts in nine appearances, but he has also blown two chances already as well. Once healthy, Sewald should step straight back into the closer role.

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