Former rival closer is interested in joining the Dodgers

A former competitor is making a case to join the defending champions in free agency.

Paul Sewald, a veteran closer, participated on this week’s “Foul Territory” episode. During the episode, Sewald stated that, while he prefers to continue in a ninth-inning position, he is also open to joining the Los Angeles Dodgers as a non-closer.

“The most important thing that I want is to go to a situation where I’m going to be comfortable and that I can pitch my best,” said Sewald of his free agency. “If that’s the eighth inning in LA, then that’s the eighth inning in LA. If it’s the ninth inning somewhere else, then that’s where I’m going to take.”

The 34-year-old righty Sewald was previously the closer for the NL West foe Arizona Diamondbacks, where he recorded 29 saves over the last one-and-a-half seasons. However, Sewald underperformed last season, recording a 4.31 ERA and four blown saves before losing his closer job in early August.

The Dodgers have an interesting bullpen scenario, with right-handers Joe Kelly and Blake Treinen both entering free agency. Sewald understands that he will most likely not get the ninth inning for the Dodgers. However, his involvement gives the team something more to consider as they make other challenging free agency pitching selections.