Zac Gallen, the ace pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, is facing a setback as he deals with elbow inflammation, causing him to be scratched from his scheduled start on Sunday. This injury comes at a critical time, as Gallen is already having a challenging season, with a 6.34 ERA across 19 starts and a career-low strikeout rate of 13.9%.
Gallen's struggles this season are evident in his performance metrics. His xERA and xFIP are both near 5.00, indicating a decline in his overall effectiveness. The right-hander's top three pitches, including his fastball, curveball, and slider, have been obliterated, with opponents hitting .331 and achieving a .545 SLG against his fastball. This is a stark contrast to his previous seasons, where he maintained a high strikeout rate and top-tier performance.
The 30-year-old Gallen's free agency journey has been a rollercoaster. After rejecting the qualifying offer, he signed a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks, returning to the team he played for in 2025. His performance that year was uninspiring, with a 4.83 ERA and less than a strikeout per inning, reducing his market appeal. Despite this, Gallen has consistently avoided significant injuries with the Diamondbacks, only missing action due to a minor elbow sprain in 2021 and a hamstring strain in 2024.
As Gallen deals with this latest setback, the Diamondbacks are turning to left-handed pitcher Mitch Bratt, who will get another look in the big leagues. Bratt made a respectable debut, tossing three innings of one-run ball against the Cardinals in late June. With a 2.41 ERA and a 25.2% strikeout rate in 13 starts at Triple-A this year, Bratt is poised to make a positive impact. The Diamondbacks' decision to recall Bratt highlights the team's commitment to exploring all options as they navigate the challenges of the season.
Gallen's injury and the team's response raise questions about the long-term strategy for the Diamondbacks. With a struggling ace and a need for consistent pitching, the team must carefully consider their options. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining the Diamondbacks' fate, as they strive to remain competitive in the highly competitive MLB.
