D-backs benefit from RHP Zac Gallen flying under the radar
Feb 16, 2020, 2:24 PM
Zac Gallen #59 of the Arizona Diamondbacks points to left fielder Josh Rojas (not pictured) after making the throw to home plate for an out in first inning of the MLB game against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field on September 04, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen is fairly calm when he’s on the mound.
“The more emotions you show, it gives the other team an advantage in my mind,” Gallen told Bickley and Marotta on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station on Saturday at the D-backs Fan Fest.
Gallen’s dad has mentioned that a plane crash could happen and Zac would still be zoned in on what the next pitch is going to be.
“It’s been nothing that I’ve practiced,” Gallen said. “I think it’s just the way that I have. You have one job, and it’s what the next pitch is.”
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For the D-backs, Gallen’s control of his emotions plays to their advantage.
“I’ve just always been under the radar in terms of—I’ve been small, I didn’t throw very hard. That’s just how its been and then you just perform well and people start to take notice.”
D-backs fans certainly taken notice of Gallen since the team acquired him last season at the MLB trade deadline.
“In the middle of season to a team in a playoff hunt, it was tough, but the guys were awesome, welcoming me in and being super accepting,” Gallen said.
After coming to the D-backs last season, Gallen went 2-3 in eight starts with a 2.89 ERA through 43.2 innings. He allowed 37 hits, 14 runs and five home runs. Gallen even tallied 53 strikeouts for the D-backs.
This season, the 24-year-old will have the chance to learn from newly-signed LHP Madison Bumgarner.
“It’s incredible. It’s indescribable,” Gallen said. “Just trying to get around him, anytime he talks and that southern draw. If you can pick up whatever you can pick up from him, that’s what you have to do.”
Gallen said with spring training ramping up, he’s taking advantage of being near MadBum. The two are in the same group and Gallen said Bumgarner has been open to giving advice and answering questions for Gallen.
“I think there’s certain things that he does that you should take and use,” Gallen said. “And I think at the same time you also have to be your own person because the last thing you want to do is try to become the carbon copy of somebody else.”
