Sewald expected to miss 'weeks' with oblique strain

PHOENIX -- The D-backs did a good job staying healthy for most of Spring Training, but the last week hasn't been kind to them.

First, No. 3 starter Eduardo Rodriguez was diagnosed with a left lat strain, and then, on Monday, closer Paul Sewald had a Grade 2 strain of his left oblique muscle.

The team has declined to provide timetables for either pitcher's return, but manager Torey Lovullo said that Sewald would be back in a matter of "weeks, not days."

With Rodriguez out, the two pitchers competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, Tommy Henry and Ryne Nelson, will both make the rotation. As Sewald heads to the injured list, it leaves the D-backs with 13 pitchers in camp, which means the staff is pretty much set.

The rotation will comprise Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Brandon Pfaadt, Henry and Nelson.

Kevin Ginkel, Ryan Thompson, Miguel Castro, Scott McGough, Joe Mantiply, Kyle Nelson, Luis Frias and Bryce Jarvis will round out the bullpen.

The loss of Sewald is a blow to the D-backs, who saw their bullpen come together and go from a weakness to a strength after the right-hander was acquired from the Mariners at last year's Trade Deadline.

"We're gonna miss Paul," Lovullo said. "And it's time for somebody to step up. It's just what happens in this game all the time."

Lovullo was less definitive when it came to saying who would replace Sewald as closer, likely because he hadn't yet had the chance to tell that player.

"We've got an army of hungry pitchers sitting down there," Lovullo said. "There's a very logical choice. We all are thinking about that particular pitcher, but I haven't had a chance to talk to anybody, so I'm not going to make any announcement or anoint anybody to close right now."

The pitcher Lovullo was referring to is right-hander Ginkel, who was 9-1 with a 2.48 ERA in 60 games last year.

For Sewald, it will mark the first time he's been on the injured list in his seven-year big league career.