The Toronto Blue Jays claimed veteran reliever Paul Sewald after the right-hander was designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sewald, 36, served as the Diamondbacks' closer for most of the season, amassing 24 saves, but his ERA skyrocketed to 6.23 over 45 appearances, including a 24.55 ERA over his past six outings.

He was demoted from the closer role on July 28 after blowing a save against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 24 saves were second in his career only to the 34 he posted in 2023 for the Seattle Mariners and Diamondbacks. Manager Torey Lovullo called it a brutal decision, saying Sewald meant so much to the organization.

The move gives Toronto another late-inning option behind current closer Louis Varland, who has 25 saves and a 1.31 ERA. Entering Wednesday, the Blue Jays (58-63) are 3½ games behind the Texas Rangers for the final AL wild-card spot. To make room, Toronto recalled Jake Bloss and placed him on the 60-day IL.