D-backs’ Zac Gallen reinstated from IL, to start Thursday vs. Giants

The Arizona Diamondbacks are getting one of their top pitchers back in the rotation Thursday.

D-backs manager Torey Lovullo announced Wednesday starting pitcher Zac Gallen has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list and will start against the San Francisco Giants.

“We’re all excited about it,” Lovullo said via Zoom. “He’s worked extremely hard to make tomorrow happen and worked extremely hard with the medical team. Working hard on his craft and everything that I’ve been reading. Sometimes I would see his bullpen’s over at Salt River. We all felt strong that this was going to be the right situation.”

Arizona on Thursday optioned right-hander Humberto Castellanos to Triple-A Reno is a corresponding move, allowing for Gallen to return.

Gallen was originally placed on the IL on May 12 after dealing with a right elbow strain. He hasn’t played since May 7, tossing 6.0 innings of one-run ball.

The Diamondbacks ace was rehabbing in the Arizona League and pitched against the Oakland A’s rookie-level minor league affiliate last Saturday.

“Going through the rehab process, throwing the bullpens, live ABs, sim games and going out there feeling strong, feeling confident, and then the next day recovering well,” Gallen said. “Those off-days have more so been the most important of bouncing back feeling like I normally do.”

Gallen added that he felt comfortable pitching in the Arizona League and was able to work on different pitches and scenarios.

“It started off pretty well,” Gallen said. “Just started trying to do different things. Got in the windup and got down the stretch, simulated some runs on base, and it was good. It was the work I think I needed.”

The D-backs pitcher threw three innings against the A’s affiliate and was cleared by Arizona’s medical team to come back up to the majors after checking all the boxes after his start.

“I was reading about the intensity of [Gallen’s] outings and the production that was coming out of them,” Lovullo said. “And we felt like he was already going to be in a very intense environment because he’s that type of guy that can challenge himself and simulate that type of live action, no matter where he’s pitching.”

In five starts this season, Gallen is sporting a 2-3 record and a 3.04 ERA. He’s struck out 32 batters and has a 1.200 WHIP.

It’s been a rough year injury-wise for the hurler, who missed time after suffering a hairline stress fracture in his throwing arm during spring training.

The D-backs will look to snap a 13-game losing streak Thursday against the Giants.

Tune to 98.7 FM, Arizona’s Sports Station at 6:45 p.m. for all the action.

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