Paul Sewald, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ closer, will be starting the season on the injured list due to a strained left oblique.
Manager Torey Lovullo explained that it’s a Grade 2 strain, which means Sewald might be out for several weeks. Sewald, who is 33 years old, joined the Diamondbacks last summer through a trade with the Mariners.
Lovullo told reporters that Sewald will need some time to recover.
During the regular season, Sewald managed to secure 13 saves, and he added six more in the playoffs. His contributions were crucial as the Diamondbacks made an unexpected journey to the World Series, although they lost to the Texas Rangers in five games.
In Sewald’s absence, right-hander Kevin Ginkel is one of the likely options to take over the role of closer. Ginkel had an impressive record last season with a 9-1 record and a 2.48 ERA. He also has eight saves in his career.
