MLB
Arizona DiamondbacksOpens in new window
Michael SorokaOpens in new window
Zack LittellOpens in new window
Paul SewaldOpens in new window

Diamondbacks welcome Soroka, Littell to pitching staff, cut former closer Sewald

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Washington Nationals pitcher Zack Littell throws during the third inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Friday, July 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.) (Daniel Kucin Jr.)

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks added some reinforcements to their pitching staff on Monday with Michael Soroka returning from the injured list and Zack Littell agreeing to a one-year contract.

To make room for the two pitchers, the D-backs designated veteran right-hander Paul Sewald for assignment and sent Kade Strowd to Triple-A Reno.

Soroka returns after missing nearly two months with left hip discomfort. The 29-year-old was one of team’s most effective pitchers before the injury with an 8-3 record and 3.07 ERA. He’ll start on Monday against the Colorado Rockies.

Littell had 7-8 record and 4.97 ERA with the Washington Nationals over 23 appearances, including 14 starts, this season before getting released last week. Arizona is expected to use him as a reliever.

The 36-year-old Sewald has been the D-backs’ closer for much of the season, but struggled over his past seven outings, giving up 11 earned runs over 4 2/3 innings while blowing two saves. For the season, he has a 6.23 ERA and 24 saves.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

David Brandt, The Associated Press