Paul Sewald has signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Cleveland Guardians, providing a valuable setup option for closer Emmanuel Clase. This deal includes a $1 million signing bonus and a base salary of $5 million, with additional performance incentives based on relief appearances. Sewald, 34, is an eight-year veteran with a total of 84 saves in his MLB career and joins the Guardians following a season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he recorded a 4.31 ERA and 16 saves. His tenure in Arizona was marred by injuries, including an oblique strain and neck discomfort, impacting his performance.

To accommodate Sewald on the roster, the Guardians designated right-hander Pedro Avila for assignment. Avila had a solid campaign with a 3.25 ERA and a 5-1 record last season. Sewald's addition strengthens Cleveland's bullpen, especially after losing relievers Eli Morgan and Nick Sandlin to trades this winter, underscoring the team's efforts to bolster its pitching staff heading into the new season.

Paul Sewald, a seasoned right-handed reliever, has signed a one-year contract worth $7 million with the Cleveland Guardians, enhancing their bullpen with a setup option for closer Emmanuel Clase. Sewald, who has recorded 84 saves in eight years, will receive a $1 million signing bonus and can earn additional performance bonuses based on his appearance count. Last season, he posted a 4.31 ERA with 16 saves for Arizona but faced challenges including injuries and a loss of his closer role in August.

The Guardians also designated Pedro Avila for assignment to make room for Sewald and signed right-hander Riley Pint to a minor league deal. Avila had a solid season with a 3.25 ERA in 50 games and was valued for his long relief contributions. With the departure of Avila, along with other relievers Eli Morgan and Nick Sandlin, the Guardians are making significant changes to their bullpen as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The New York Yankees, despite their success, are struggling with baserunning, a critical flaw that has hindered their performance in the postseason. In Game 2 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians, the Yankees made two costly outs on the bases during a pivotal sixth inning, which could have led to additional runs.

Although they managed to win the game 6-3, these mental lapses could prove detrimental in future matchups. To secure a championship title, the Yankees must address their baserunning issues and improve their overall gameplay.

The Cleveland Guardians faced a tough start in the American League Championship Series, losing 5-2 to the New York Yankees. Rookie reliever Joey Cantillo struggled, throwing four wild pitches, two of which allowed crucial runs to score in the third inning.

Manager Stephen Vogt acknowledged Cantillo's previous good performance but noted that the inning got away from them. Cantillo's wild pitches set a franchise record for a reliever and tied the postseason record.

The Cleveland Guardians faced a tough start in Game 1 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees, primarily due to a disastrous third inning that saw the Yankees score three runs, largely aided by wild pitches.

Despite some strong performances later in the game from pitchers Erik Sabrowski and Pedro Avila, questions arose about the decision to bring Joey Cantillo into a challenging situation with runners on base. Manager Stephen Vogt defended the choice, citing Cantillo's recent success but acknowledged the inning got away from them.

Looking forward, the Guardians must shift their focus to the upcoming game and strategize to even the series.