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 having his worst season as a big leaguer, with a 6.34 ERA across 19 starts and a 6.49 xERA, both ranking in the 2nd percentile. His xFIP and SIERA are also near 5.00, and his strikeout rate is at a career-low 13.9% in 98 innings, a stark contrast to his previous seasons where it hasn't dipped below 21%.
The issue with Gallen's pitches is evident, as opponents are hitting .331 with a .545 SLG against his fastball, and his curveball and slider have a -7 Run Value, the fourth-worst among qualified pitchers at -19. This decline in performance has raised concerns, especially considering his recent free agency journey. Gallen entered the market after an uninspiring 2025 campaign, where he delivered a 4.83 ERA with less than a strikeout per inning, reducing his market appeal. He ultimately returned to Arizona on a one-year deal, rejecting the qualifying offer to sign for $22.025MM with deferrals.
Despite his recent struggles, Gallen has a history of avoiding significant injuries. In 2021, he had an elbow sprain that was quickly resolved, and in 2024, he missed four weeks with a hamstring strain. However, the current elbow inflammation could require an IL stint, which is a concern for the team's rotation stability. The Diamondbacks will now turn to Mitch Bratt, a left-handed pitcher, to start on Sunday, as he makes his second big league appearance after a respectable debut against the Cardinals in late June.
Bratt, who joined the organization at last year's trade deadline, has been impressive at Triple-A, recording a 2.41 ERA with a 25.2% strikeout rate in 13 starts. His performance suggests that he could be a valuable asset for the team, especially with Gallen's injury concerns. The Diamondbacks will need to rely on their depth and adaptability to navigate this challenging period and maintain their playoff hopes.
