ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs’ Zac Gallen has hairline stress fracture in right forearm

Mar 23, 2021, 5:39 PM

Starting pitcher Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws against the Colorado Rockies dur...

Starting pitcher Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the Cactus League spring training baseball game on February 28, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen has a hairline stress fracture in his right forearm, manager Torey Lovullo said Tuesday.

Lovullo said Gallen will be able to continue playing catch at a low stress level and provided no timeline on how long the right-hander’s absence will be for.

As far as there being no timeline, Lovullo said there’s no precedent for the injury since it is a rare one. The manager added that it was never a ligament, muscle or tendon issue for Gallen and that he has to be throwing pain free in order to start.

Gallen on Monday was scratched from his spring training start due to soreness in his right lateral forearm. He underwent an MRI on Sunday, had a CT scan and an X-ray on Monday before getting a second opinion on Tuesday. The right-hander said the soreness began in batting practice a few days before his last start in spring.

Lovullo confirmed that the injury came as a result of Gallen not getting proper contact on a ball with his bat.

Gallen added that he’s only felt the soreness throwing his curveball and that he pitched through the issue.

The 25-year-old has been terrific as a D-back. In the 20 games he’s started for Arizona from 2019-20, Gallen has a 2.80 ERA and a record of 5-5. His WHIP is at 1.167.

Gallen was acquired by Arizona in July of 2019 at the trade deadline in exchange for infield prospect Jazz Chisholm.

The potential absence of Gallen would be a big blow to the D-backs starting rotation, as he was the only Arizona starter in 2020 to pitch at a high level.

Outside of Merrill Kelly’s 2.59 ERA in five starts before a season-ending injury, no other D-backs starter with over five starts had an ERA below 5.00. Luke Weaver (6.58 ERA, 12 GS), Madison Bumgarner (6.48 ERA, 9 GS), Alex Young (5.44 ERA, 7 GS) and the traded Robbie Ray (7.84 ERA, 7 GS) all struggled.

Young and Taylor Clarke are potential candidates to replace Gallen in the rotation if needed.

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

Jordan Lawlar, D-backs...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar to have thumb surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar will have surgery on his right thumb after tearing a ligament, GM Mike Hazen said on Wednesday.

14 hours ago

General shot of Chase Field...

Bailey Leasure

What’s new at Chase Field for the 2024 D-backs season?

The Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 season will see the team debut new food items, enhancements to the ballpark and giveaways.

19 hours ago

Bryce Jarvis #40 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws a pitch during the second inning in the game ag...

Vincent DeAngelis

Bryce Jarvis starting season in long reliever role for Diamondbacks

Twenty-six-year-old Bryce Jarvis will start the 2024 season in a long relief role for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

20 hours ago

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Reports: Diamondbacks, LHP Jordan Montgomery agree to terms on contract

The Diamondbacks and big-ticket free agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery agreed to terms on a contract, according to multiple reports on Tuesday. 

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Zac Gallen says Diamondbacks are ready for opponents’ best daily

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the excitement surrounding his second straight Opening Day start for the Snakes, and the overall excitement the team has for the coming season.

1 day ago

Kevin Ginkel...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Kevin Ginkel has no problem if asked to close in Paul Sewald’s absence

Diamondbacks reliever Kevin Ginkel has not been told whether he will step into the closer role with Paul Sewald on the injured list.

2 days ago

D-backs’ Zac Gallen has hairline stress fracture in right forearm