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Paul Sewald Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

D-backs will need these three relievers to continue their postseason dominance against the Rangers

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 10/26/23

Shutting down potent offense after potent offense, the Arizona Diamondbacks have watched their starters give them quality innings before handing the ball off to a trio of relievers that have been virtually unhittable this postseason on their journey to the World Series.

After holding Los Angeles Dodgers superstar outfielder Mookie Betts and first baseman Freddie Freeman to a combined one for 21 at the plate, the pitching staff followed that up by holding Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, first baseman Bryce Harper and outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos to a combined 1-28 in games six and seven of the National League Championship Series helping fuel their comeback.

With another offense capable of putting up runs in bunches in the Texas Rangers, these three relievers will play huge roles in deciding the World Series in 2023.

Paul Sewald, relief pitcher:

(1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP, six saves, 11 strikeouts in eight innings pitched)

Acquired at the trade deadline from the Seattle Mariners, Sewald has provided the Diamondbacks with the veteran closer they desperately needed.

Now fast forward to the postseason and he has been giving opposing hitters fits surrendering only three hits in his eight innings pitched and has not allowed a run.

Not a hard thrower when compared to the league average, Sewald is able to use his breaking ball and accuracy to help offset the lower velocity of his pitches.

Paul Sewald's 3Ks in the 9th. pic.twitter.com/kBgcxjY6t2
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 21, 2023

After spending the last two-plus seasons with the Mariners before the trade, he will face plenty of familiar faces when they take on the Rangers in the World Series.

Kevin Ginkel, relief pitcher:

(1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 13 strikeouts in nine innings pitched)

One of the most crucial pieces of the Diamondbacks bullpen, Ginkel is relatively unknown outside of the hardcore baseball fan but will have the chance to introduce himself on the biggest stage in 2023.

Following up a solid 2022 with a breakout 2023 season, he has continued his excellence in the postseason where he hasn't allowed a run while striking out 13 batters in nine innings.

Throwing primarily a 4-seam fastball and slider, Ginkel mixes in an occasional sinker that is unhittable when he is feeling it.

KEVIN GINKEL. pic.twitter.com/84q35hzQMY
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) October 25, 2023

With tough at-bats up and down the Rangers lineup, Ginkel must stay sharp when facing off against the American League's highest-scoring team.

Ryan Thompson, relief pitcher:

(1-0, 2.53 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, eight strikeouts in 10.2 innings pitched)

Released by the Tampa Bay Rays on August 16, Thompson quickly signed a minor league contract with the Diamondbacks on August 19 and was with the major league club on August 27.

Since his arrival, the 31-year-old sidearm-style pitcher has been playing the best baseball of his career.

Posting a 0.69 ERA in 13 innings pitched for the Diamondbacks during the regular season, he has followed that up with a strong postseason.

In the NLCS versus the Phillies Thompson pitched 5.2 innings allowing only one run and striking out four and was the winner of game seven.

Ryan freaking Thompson.

10 pitches. 4 outs. WOW. pic.twitter.com/tQhLXxhrIX
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) October 25, 2023

The only pitcher of the three to allow a run this postseason, Thompson has managed to hold the opponent scoreless in six of his eight appearances for the Diamondbacks.

Likely to be the first option out of the bullpen most nights of the World Series, the Diamondbacks will need him to continue his strong pitching as they take on the Rangers.

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