ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs’ Zac Gallen expected to start Saturday vs. A’s

Jun 25, 2024, 4:35 PM

Zac Gallen throws a pitch...

Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the first inning Mariners at T-Mobile Park on April 26, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen is expected to return to the mound for Saturday’s game against the Oakland Athletics, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.

D-backs skipper Torey Lovullo on Tuesday did not confirm that Gallen would start but told reporters the team has “discussed the potential” of a Saturday return if Thursday’s bullpen session goes well.

“We just got to keep checking each box,” Lovullo said while adding Gallen threw 67 pitches in a simulation game the day prior. “After Thursday’s bullpen, I’ll be able to give more of an update.”

Gallen has been on the shelf for nearly a month after exiting a May 30 start with a hamstring injury.

Before being placed on the 15-day injured list, Gallen posted a 5-4 record across 11 starts (57.2 innings pitched) with a 3.12 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. He registered 60 strikeouts to 15 walks.

Since then, the pitcher has been working to get back to full strength.

“As soon as I was able to get off the mound I wanted to pitch in a game and they told me, ‘No, that’s not going to happen,’” Gallen told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta on Monday. “Obviously, I hope that if everything goes well, hopefully it’s not too much longer. At the same time, I know that as much as I want to get out there as fast as possible, the team, they have my best interest at heart.”

The D-backs are back in action Tuesday night against the Minnesota Twins. First pitch is slated for 6:40 p.m. and can be heard on the Arizona Sports app, 98.7 and ArizonaSports.com.

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