Tigers Trade for Injured Reliever Paul Sewald

The Detroit Tigers acquired veteran right-handed reliever Paul Sewald from the Cleveland Guardians ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline, in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Sewald, 35, is currently sidelined with a right shoulder strain and may not return until September, but he brings valuable postseason experience and a history of effectiveness as a late-inning arm with the Mariners and Diamondbacks. Despite posting a 4.70 ERA over 15 1/3 innings for Cleveland this season, advanced metrics suggest Sewald has been somewhat unlucky. The Tigers view the move as low-risk with potential playoff implications if Sewald returns healthy. The Guardians, facing ongoing roster uncertainty due to a gambling investigation affecting other relievers, decided to move Sewald as part of broader changes. Detroit hopes Sewald's eventual return will strengthen a bullpen that has struggled in recent months.