ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Zac Gallen announced as Game 1 World Series starting pitcher for Diamondbacks

Oct 26, 2023, 1:21 PM

Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during ...

Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning during Game Five of the Championship Series at Chase Field on October 21, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

It’ll be Zac Gallen who will be the Game 1 World Series starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks after the team announced the decision Thursday.

Gallen, who is 2-2 with a 5.24 ERA in his first postseason, started Arizona’s openers in both the NLDS and NLCS.

The righty will be opposed by Nathan Eovaldi for the Texas Rangers in the opening game of the World Series on Friday in Arlington.

Eovaldi, a Texas native who signed with the Rangers last offseason, will make his first career World Series start. The right-hander is 4-0 with a 2.42 ERA in his four starts this postseason, including the AL Wild Card Series and AL Division Series clinchers, and the must-win Game 6 of the AL Championship Series at Houston on Sunday night.

Arizona has gone with Merrill Kelly and rookie Brandon Pfaadt behind Gallen for most of the postseason. Jordan Montgomery and Max Scherzer are expected to start for the Rangers in the World Series.

Gallen lost both of his starts in the NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies. He was touched up for 5 runs in Game 1 of that series before surrendering another 4 runs in Game 5.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Diamondbacks

Randal Grichuk, diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

Pitching is what’s left on Diamondbacks offseason to-do list

The Diamondbacks may have some moves to make regarding the pitching staff while feeling good about the offense as spring training begins.

17 hours ago

Trey Mancini...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks take a chance on former Orioles slugger Trey Mancini

The Diamondbacks have agreed to a minor league contract with former Orioles slugger, cancer survivor and World Series champion Trey Mancini.

1 day ago

Randal Grichuk...

Alex Weiner

Randal Grichuk returns to Diamondbacks on 1-year deal

The Diamondbacks have agreed to re-sign outfielder Randal Grichuk, who finished red hot in 2024, Mark Feinsand first reported on Tuesday.

4 days ago

MLB umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by the league on Monday over sports gambling...

Associated Press

Umpire Pat Hoberg fired by MLB for sharing sports gambling accounts with friend who bet on baseball

Umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by MLB on Monday for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games.

5 days ago

Diamondbacks Kristian Robinson...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks announce spring training roster with Gino Groover, Kristian Robinson

The Diamondbacks released their spring training roster for big league camp on Friday, including prospects Gino Groover and Kristian Robinson.

8 days ago

Garrett Hampson...

Alex Weiner

D-backs signing stout defender Garrett Hampson to minor league deal, spring training invite

The Arizona Diamondbacks are signing utility defender Garrett Hampson to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation.

9 days ago

Zac Gallen announced as Game 1 World Series starting pitcher for Diamondbacks