TEMPE — Paul Sewald made his first appearance for the Arizona Diamondbacks since September 2024 on Saturday during an 8-5 spring training victory over the Los Angeles Angels. The most striking aspect of his outing was an increase in fastball velocity following offseason training at Driveline, a well-known pitching development center.
Sewald pitched one inning, allowing one run on a single hit and recording a strikeout. His average fastball speed reached 92 mph, up from 90.4 mph last year, bringing him closer to the velocity he showed during his earlier time with the Diamondbacks before spending the previous season with the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers.
I feel good. I feel healthy. I feel like it should be there,
Sewald said.
That’s a great sign that I don’t have to feel like I have to overthrow to get to a certain velocity. I don’t have to take something off to locate. But if I could throw that at the top, that’s going to be just fine.
Sewald’s Rehabilitation and Focus Beyond Velocity
While Sewald is encouraged by the velocity jump, he emphasized the need to improve his command throughout spring training. Last season, shoulder injuries limited him to just 22 appearances and often left him frustrated by inconsistent readings despite giving maximum effort.
During the offseason, Sewald and his family relocated to the Phoenix area, allowing him to train regularly at Driveline, where he aimed to regain his previous velocity levels.
Most of the guys come in there saying, ‘Hey, I throw 94, 95, I need to throw 97,’
Sewald explained.
Mine was like, ‘I used to throw 92, 93. Do you think I can get back to 92, 93?’ So I think just being more efficient with what I have is the key, and I’ve been feeling good.
I just feel like it was important for me to have a coach watching every rep at this point in my career.
Role Prospects for Sewald and Bullpen Updates
Sewald is competing for late-inning bullpen roles, including the closer spot, after signing a one-year, $1.5 million contract. He expressed willingness to pitch wherever the team needs him.
Jonathan Loaisiga also made his Diamondbacks debut in Saturday’s game after joining via a minor-league contract. Having spent eight seasons with the New York Yankees, Loaisiga tossed one inning, allowing one run on two hits and issuing a walk while striking out one batter. He averaged 97 mph with his sinker and showed a mix of secondary pitches, including a curveball and changeup.
(Gerardo) Carrillo, Loaisiga, that’s upper 90s stuff that’s very crisp around the zone,
manager Torey Lovullo said.
Secondary stuff seemed like it was just as productive. I love what I saw, especially from Loaisiga. It’s his first outing, it came out hot.
Reliever Brandyn Garcia Leaves Game Due to Illness
During the same game, Diamondbacks reliever Brandyn Garcia exited with an illness after hitting two batters and walking another. The team sent him to the clubhouse with the trainer, raising initial concern. However, manager Torey Lovullo confirmed Garcia’s arm was healthy but noted there was no reason to push him further in that condition.
Lovullo also praised the performance of minor-league pitcher Casey Anderson, who entered with the bases loaded and no outs and successfully escaped without allowing a run.
World Baseball Classic Preparations Affect Diamondbacks Roster
Several Diamondbacks players are preparing to join their national teams for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), which starts Thursday. Third baseman Nolan Arenado had his final two at-bats for the Diamondbacks on Saturday before heading to Team Puerto Rico. Outfielder Alek Thomas is scheduled to play on Sunday before joining Team Mexico, which will hold its camp locally ahead of a Tuesday exhibition game against the Diamondbacks.
Pitcher Michael Soroka will throw for Arizona on Sunday before reporting to Team Canada, while outfield prospect Druw Jones, who had two at-bats Saturday, will represent Team Netherlands under the management of his father, Andruw Jones.
Other players who have already left include Dominicans Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, and Carlos Santana. The tournament’s pool play runs through March 11.
