Zac Gallen, the ace pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, is facing a setback as he deals with elbow inflammation, forcing him to miss his next scheduled start on Sunday. This injury comes at a critical time for Gallen, who is having his worst season as a big leaguer. With a 6.34 ERA across 19 starts, his performance has been a stark contrast to his previous seasons, where he consistently maintained a high strikeout rate and impressive velocity.
What makes Gallen's situation particularly intriguing is the sudden decline in his top three pitches. Opponents are hitting an astonishing .331 with a .545 SLG against his fastball, and his curveball and slider have both registered a -7 Run Value, indicating a significant drop in performance. This drastic change in pitch effectiveness has likely contributed to his poor ERA and xERA, which rank in the 2nd percentile.
Gallen's journey to the Diamondbacks has been an interesting one. After a less-than-stellar 2025 campaign, he entered free agency but ultimately returned to Arizona on a one-year deal, rejecting the qualifying offer. His performance this season has not lived up to expectations, and the injury further highlights the challenges he faces. Despite his struggles, Gallen has a history of avoiding significant injuries, with only a brief elbow sprain in 2021 and a hamstring strain in 2024 disrupting his consistency.
The Diamondbacks have responded to Gallen's absence by recalling left-handed pitcher Mitch Bratt, who made his MLB debut in late June. Bratt's performance in Triple-A this year has been impressive, with a 2.41 ERA and a 25.2% strikeout rate in 13 starts. His recall provides the team with an opportunity to assess his potential as a starting pitcher.
This situation raises several questions. How will Gallen's injury impact his long-term health and future with the team? Will Bratt's recall be a temporary fix or a sign of his potential as a consistent starter? The Diamondbacks' decision to manage Gallen's injury and their strategy for the upcoming season will be crucial in determining their success in the highly competitive MLB landscape.
