Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen, Michael Soroka to return Wednesday vs. Royals
The Diamondbacks are getting a couple more starting pitchers back from injury on Wednesday against the Royals.
Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws a pitch in the second inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.(Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
The Arizona Diamondbacks plan to reinstate pitchers Zac Gallen and Michael Soroka from the injured list on Wednesday to provide bulk innings against the Kansas City Royals, Arizona Sports‘ John Gambadoro reported.
Manager Torey Lovullo announced after Tuesday’s game that Gallen will start with Soroka layering in out of the bullpen. Arizona can earn a series sweep with a win.
Gallen and Soroka were next in line behind Corbin Burnes in Arizona’s extensive list of injury returnees, as Burnes came back from a 15-month absence on Tuesday.
Gallen has not pitched since July 7 due to right elbow inflammation.
In the midst of Gallen’s worst major league season (6.34 ERA), the D-backs hope his absence can double as a reset. It is an opportunity for redemption for Gallen, whose future with the D-backs was in doubt when he landed on the IL.
A strong finish that helps the Diamondbacks compete for the postseason could redefine his season to an extent. At the same time, his performance before the IL stint was not sustainable, thus creating a sense of risk in reworking him into pitching plans.
He will come off the 60-day IL, and the D-backs have a 40-man spot available.
Soroka’s last appearance came on Aug. 22, which was his third start after he missed six weeks with a glute strain. He went back on the IL with right shoulder inflammation.
Soroka has been a diamond-in-the-rough addition to the Diamondbacks this season with a 3.40 ERA in 18 starts after he signed a one-year deal last winter.
He will come off the 15-day IL.
Gallen and Soroka both pitched in simulated games on Friday at Salt River Fields, getting up to four innings.
The Diamondbacks could benefit from receiving eight or nine innings from Gallen and Soroka to preserve the bullpen after needing seven pitchers on Monday and maneuvering through an abbreviated start from Burnes on Tuesday (three innings).
Ryne Nelson makes rehab start
Ryne Nelson, another D-backs pitcher coming back from injury (elbow), started for Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, his second rehab appearance at a minor league affiliate.
Nelson delivered a scoreless inning with two strikeouts, throwing 11 pitches for the Aces.
The right-hander is expected to be a relief option for D-backs once cleared.
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Comments
1 Comments
I am NOT happy that Gallen is starting but that are the cards that were dealt to the Dbacks. Gallen had a bad year for 2025 landing him as one of the nine worst starting pitchers in the MLB. Before his injury, he was the worst starting pitcher in the MLB for the 2026 season.
If he gives up six runs or have a game ERA of 5.0+, he should be immediately DFA (he is a free agent at the end of the year)...we can't afford to have Gallen to get blasted and put the Dbacks in jeopardy of not making the playoffs...he already lost several games for the Dbacks.