The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed veteran reliever Paul Sewald off waivers. He was designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Aug. 10.

Across 39 innings pitched for the Diamondbacks this season, he logged a 6.23 ERA with 44 strikeouts and a 1.10 WHIP. He's recorded 24 out of 27 save opportunities while allowing 12 home runs and nine walks. The 36-year-old agreed to a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks in the offseason, and he has spent a good portion of this season as their closer. 

While he provided early season success, logging a strong 3.08 ERA across his first 29 appearances and converting 17-of-18 save opportunities, his performance took a major decline in late June, and he hasn't been able to surge again. 

In early to mid-June, he also held a stellar 29.9 percent strikeout rate and 7.5 percent walk rate. But since then, things haven't been the same for Sewald, who has also been dinged for seven home runs across his last 10 2/3 innings pitched. He has also surrendered runs in seven of his last 14 appearances, unable to lock down the bullpen for the Diamondbacks, which led to his DFA. But the Blue Jays have decided to take a gamble on him as he offers fresh pitching depth to a pen that's been overworked. 

Why the Blue Jays have taken a gamble on Paul Sewald

The Blue Jays needed a low-cost reliever who has experience to balance out a bullpen that's been heavily relied on over a 30-game stretch. Sewald will help give middle relievers a much-needed break, which should help to improve their performances over the remainder of the season. 

Sewald readily became available at a low cost ($1.5 million salary) on waivers following his DFA, and he carries upside. In his new environment with the Blue Jays, they can potentially help to restore his once-dominant form. Sewald helps to bolster the Blue Jays bullpen with the loss of Jeff Hoffman. 

His appeal also stems from the fact that he has the sixth-most saves (53) in club history with Arizona and was considered a vital piece to its bullpen during its 2023 World Series finish. 

His role with the Blue Jays will likely consist of pitching as a middle reliever or in low-leverage situations rather than taking on the closer role, as Louis Varland has been sensational in the role.