Torey Lovullo Gives Fantastic Update About Paul Sewald

The Diamondbacks Closer has started a throwing program early

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (38) pitches during the ninth inning during game / Joe Rondone/Arizona Republic / USA TODAY

During Torey Lovullo's media session today he gave a number of health updates, as is his routine. One stood out in particular in regard to Paul Sewald. The Diamondbacks closer suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain and was placed on the injured list just before the start of the season

Lovullo reported that Sewald threw from 60 feet Tuesday for the first time since going on the IL and was asymptomatic. Asked if he felt that was earlier than he was expecting, the manager gave a humorous answer.

"For me personally when I look up on Google what the schedule is going to be, it's a little bit sooner than I thought for sure. I do the same thing you guys do, I'm not gonna lie. I lay in bed at night, how long does this take, how long does that take. WebMD man, thats my guy."

It turns out Torey is like the rest of us when an injury occurs. pic.twitter.com/wSrMG8EgEA

— Michael McDermott (@MichaelMcDMLB) April 2, 2024

There is still no timeline for when Sewald will be able to get back on a mound, Lovullo said, but it was a really good step.

Eduardo Rodriguez threw long toss out to 180 feet. Lovullo originally said the left-hander would throw a bullpen by April 7th, and maintains it will still be within this week.

Randall Grichuk played right field in Reno Tuesday. He appears to be getting close to ra eturn. "I think the last few pieces of the puzzle every time somebody is coming back is getting into a game and playing consistent innings, back-to-back type of stuff and he's starting to check those boxes and he's feeling pretty good." Lovullo was noncommittal about whether Grichuk would make it back in time for the series in Atlanta against the Braves that begins on April 5th. If he's not able to make that series it sounds like he'll be back by the series in Colorado against the Rockies on April 8th at the latest.

Corbin Carroll is out of the lineup Tuesday night, but according to Lovullo it's just a routine day off to "get him off his feet". Carroll has been struggling at the plate and with his swing, but Lovullo said he was not concerned with Carroll.

During the press conference, Lovullo learned for the first time through a reporter's question that former Red Sox CEO and President Larry Lucchino passed away this morning. His tenure in Boston overlapped with Lucchino's. A visibly shaken and emotional Lovullo responded with tears welling up in his eyes.

"I didn't know that. That's terrible news. I'm sorry to hear that news. That hurts. Larry was a tremendous human being, he loved baseball. He loved the Boston Red Sox, and he was so good to me, so kind to me. I'm very appreciative of what he meant to me and what he meant to the Boston Red Sox. That's a terrible loss for this game, and I'm sorry to hear that news. My condolences go out to his family and extended family"