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Blue Jays activate Paul Sewald, option Lazaro Estrada to Triple-A Buffalo
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Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Michael Coyle
Aug 14, 2026, 16:22 EDTUpdated: Aug 14, 2026, 16:25 EDT
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The Toronto Blue Jays’ bullpen is set to receive some reinforcements before their pivotal series opener against the New York Yankees. 
Paul Sewald, who was picked up off  waivers on Wednesday after being designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks, was officially added to the 26-man roster on Friday. 
Through 45 games with the Diamondbacks this season, Sewald went 2-5 with a 6.23 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. The right-hander picked up 24 saves in 27 opportunities, struck out 44 batters across 39 innings, and held opponents to a .228 average to this point in the 2026 campaign. 
After signing a one-year, $1.5-million contract with the Diamondbacks in February, the 36-year-old struggled for much of his tenure in Arizona, but saw his difficulties heighten as the summer months carried on. In June, Sewald recorded a 6.23 ERA, which was followed by an 8.22 ERA in July. In three August appearances, Sewald allowed five runs across 1.1 innings before the decision was made to cut ties with the veteran. 
Even with his struggles this season, Sewald holds a career 4.30 ERA with 110 saves, and coupled with a beat-up Blue Jays bullpen, the reliever has the opportunity to pitch in some big moments as the club tries to sneak its way into the American League playoff picture. 
In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays optioned Lazaro Estrada to Triple-A Buffalo. Estrada has pitched in eight games for the Blue Jays this season and is 1-1 with a 5.54 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Across 13 innings, Estrada has struck out nine and limited opponents to a .178 average. 
As one of the few players with options remaining on his contract, Estrada has been optioned to Buffalo three times since the calendar flipped to the month of August. The right-hander has been used four times in the past seven games, including in all three contests during the Blue Jays’ three-game set in Philadelphia against the Phillies. 
In 10 games (three starts) with the Bisons, Estrada is 3-0 with a 2.52 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP. Opponents have only been able to hit .188 off him, and with his ability to toss multiple innings, Estrada is a likely candidate to return to the Blue Jays’ roster before the 2026 campaign ends. If Estrada is called up again this season, he would have to clear waivers to be sent down again due to maxing out his free options. 
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