D-backs move into WC spot with sweep, but who has closer role?

PHOENIX -- During their run to the 2023 World Series, the D-backs were known for come-from-behind victories, answering back when the opposition scored and for the smart and aggressive way they ran the bases.

It spawned a nickname of “The Answerbacks” and a slogan of “Create Chaos” as they captured the attention of baseball.

Neither the nickname nor the slogan seemed apropos earlier this year as Arizona struggled to gain traction, falling seven games under .500 at the end of May and flirting with .500 in June.

Don’t look now, but the D-backs seem to have found their way with the latest example a 5-4 win over the Nationals on Wednesday afternoon at Chase Field that gave them just their second series sweep of the year and a 5-1 record on a homestand, which also included a visit by the Pirates.

Arizona (58-51) now finds itself holding one of the three NL Wild Card spots, one game back of Atlanta (58-49) for the top position.

“I think this is what we expected from the beginning of the season,” reliever Ryan Thompson said. “I just don't think we've really played to the best of our ability up until this point and I think it's easy to look at this stretch and be like, 'Wow, we're playing above expectations.’

“I think this is the expectation. I think we're in the World Series [in 2023] for a reason. We can start using the Answerbacks thing again. We can start using the Embrace the Chaos, like all that stuff that seemed like it was a little silent for a while.”

Thompson played a key role in Wednesday’s win after closer Paul Sewald struggled to finish things off in the ninth.

Sewald, who opened the year on the injured list, converted his first 11 save opportunities -- picking up right where he left off in 2023. This month, though, has been a struggle as Sewald has blown four save chances.

Wednesday wasn’t a blown save, but Sewald did issue three walks and a hit before having to be replaced by Thompson with a run in and the bases loaded.

Thompson allowed another run to score, but managed to get Riley Adams to ground out to end the game.

D-backs manager Torey Lovullo didn’t commit to whether Sewald would remain the team’s closer or if he might give him a break from that role.

“There's something that's going on with his delivery,” Lovullo said. “It's not allowing him to throw the ball where he wants to, have the finish on the ball and make the pitches that he's normally making. So that right now is my top priority and that's all I really want to talk about.

“I have a lot to think about over the next several hours and I will.”

Arizona does have options should Lovullo decide to give Sewald a breather. Thompson has pitched well this year and newly-acquired left-hander A.J. Puk has been impressive in his first two starts since coming aboard from the Marlins four days before the Trade Deadline.

Another setup man, Kevin Ginkel, has had experience closing out games.

“If a change is made, we feel like we have some really good candidates for sure,” Lovullo said.

Thompson, though, said the players in the clubhouse are fully behind Sewald staying in the role.

“Paul, man, he's a veteran," Thompson said. “He's not pouting. He's not overthinking it. He knows how good he is. And he knows that he's going to go out there next time he gets the opportunity and get the job done. We all in this clubhouse, we believe in Paul.”