Sewald to Begin Rehab Assignment, Kelly to Get Second MRI on Shoulder

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo gave an update to reports on the status of closer Paul Sewald and No. 2 starter Merrill Kelly. Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic reports that Sewald is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno this week and Kelly will get getting a second MRI on his right shoulder.

Torey Lovullo says Paul Sewald will pitch tomorrow in Reno on a rehab assignment
— Theo Mackie (@theo_mackie) April 22, 2024

Merrill Kelly is not yet going on the injured list. He’s getting a second MRI back in Phoenix today before a determination is made. Henry is here on the taxi squad, potentially available tomorrow depending on what the move is with Kelly. https://t.co/3B8ocZxlrl
— Theo Mackie (@theo_mackie) April 22, 2024

Getting Sewald back would be huge for a bullpen that ranks 17th in ERA (3.99) and 27th in Win Probability Added (-0.46). Inserting him back in the ninth inning pushes everyone else back an inning and gives Lovullo more options to navigate the end of ballgames. Kevin Ginkel has done a solid job of navigating the closer role in Sewald's absence. He does have two blown saves on the year although both were largely due to weird bounces out of his control.

Kelly's injury situation is more concerning. Should he miss time, that would be a huge blow to a starting rotation already missing Eduardo Rodríguez and Ryne Nelson. Left-hander Tommy Henry was added to the taxi squad but is not an option unless Kelly requires a stint on the injured list. Lovullo has not decided on that yet.

Blaze Alexander will be available off the bench, but only in an emergency situation. Alexander told reporters he still feels discomfort in his right hamstring, but there was no structural damage. Lovullo said that his usage of the young infielder will depend on how he progresses, but would like to get him in a game as a late substitution before feeling comfortable to start him again.

Sounds like Alexander would only be available in an emergency situation tonight.

Usage for the rest of this series will depend on how the hamstring progresses, but Lovullo sounded like he’d like to get him into a game as a late inning sub before he starts again. https://t.co/so2xuuZxdq
— Theo Mackie (@theo_mackie) April 22, 2024