Diamondbacks going back to closer-by-matchups

Perhaps the biggest question heading into the Arizona Diamondbacks’ rubber match against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday was what would happen if they faced another save situation, and they answered it.

In a 3-0 game heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, Arizona called on left-hander Brandyn Garcia to close out the series over season-long closer Paul Sewald. Garcia delivered a shutout inning, and after the game, manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that the D-backs are changing their philosophy in the ninth inning.

The Diamondbacks are going to play the matchups with a bullpen that has been deeper than in previous seasons.

“I’ve made an adjustment,” Lovullo told Diamondbacks broadcaster Todd Walsh on the postgame show. “I’m going to mix up some roles a little bit and get Paul back on his feet. … We’re going to have roles, matchups to get it done.”

Garcia is the lone lefty, and the Pirates were an ideal matchup with left-handers Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn to deal with, but fellow relievers Juan Morillo, Jonathan Loaisiga and Taylor Clarke each have sub-3.00 ERAs. Kevin Ginkel has also been solid this season, and he has experience in high leverage.

Sewald has 24 saves this season and only three blown saves, but his ERA has climbed to 5.26. He blew the save on Tuesday, giving up home runs to Lowe and Bryan Reynolds after inheriting a three-run lead.

He has blown two of his last three save opportunities, and the Diamondbacks will move forward like they did in 2024 when he struggled in July, as well.

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