The Cleveland Guardians activated Paul Sewald from the injured list and the veteran appeared in relief in Saturday’s game vs. the Detroit Tigers, pitching a perfect eighth inning with one strikeout.

In a corresponding move, the Guardians optioned lefty Doug Nikhazy to Triple-A Columbus.

Sewald pitched in 14 games for his new club before landing on the IL with a right shoulder strain on April 29. He had struggled, allowing eight earned runs in 11 2/3 innings of work (6.17 ERA). On a positive note, the right-hander had walked just two hitters while fanning 15.

Sewald saved 82 games from 2021-24 for the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks. He recorded six saves in 10 appearances for the Diamondbacks in their 2023 run to the World Series.

Sewald was expected to fill a setup role in Cleveland in front of All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase.

–Field Level Media