The Diamondbacks announced that right-hander Zac Gallen has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain. Righty Slade Cecconi has been recalled to fill the roster spot.
Gallen, 28, started Thursday night’s game against the Mets but exited after just six pitches, with the team later revealing the hamstring strain. Initially, manager Torey Lovullo indicated on the Arizona Sports’ “Burns & Gambo” show that Gallen was expected to miss just one start without requiring an IL stint. However, the decision was made to place him on the IL, sidelining him for at least two weeks.
Even if Gallen’s absence is brief, it’s a significant blow for the Diamondbacks. He has established himself as one of baseball’s top pitchers, with a career 3.20 ERA over 725 innings. Since the start of 2022, Gallen has posted a 3.05 ERA, a 26.3% strikeout rate, a 6.1% walk rate, and a 43.3% ground ball rate.
Losing Gallen is particularly concerning for Arizona, as they also have Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez on the injured list. The Diamondbacks, who are off to a slow start this year with a 25-31 record, face a tough climb back into playoff contention without these key pitchers. Neither Kelly nor Rodriguez have begun rehab assignments, so the team is hopeful Gallen’s absence will be short.
Currently, the Diamondbacks’ rotation includes Jordan Montgomery, Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson, Blake Walston, and Cecconi. Both Nelson and Cecconi have ERAs over 6.00. Montgomery has a 4.69 ERA, Pfaadt a 4.16 ERA, and Walston a 2.16 ERA, though in just 8 1/3 innings. Tommy Henry, on optional assignment, has a 5.40 ERA in the majors this year, and Cristian Mena, also on the 40-man roster, has yet to make his major league debut.
