Zac Gallen +550 odds to win Cy Young award

Apr 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws against the San Diego Padres in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

After a rather impressive past couple of starts, Diamondbacks’ ace Zac Gallen has jumped to second in the Cy Young odds.

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Last year, Gallen finished fifth in CY Young voting as he posted a 2.54 ERA along with 192 strikeouts in 184 innings pitched.

Now, the 27-year-old has picked up right where he left off, leading the league with 39 strikeouts and three-straight shutouts. Gallen currently holds a 21.2 scoreless inning streak. In his past three starts, the Diamondbacks have won 3-0, 5-0, and 9-0.

Zac Gallen threw 7 shutout innings and struck out 11 in his win tonight!

He hasn't given up a run in his last 21.2 IP 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0K0VwkjitO

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 22, 2023

This is a massive boost from how his first two starts went. Gallen actually began the season on a bit of a rough note, allowing five runs in 4.2 innings on opening day and then five runs in six innings in his second outing.

But, the D-backs’ ace has been absolutely lights out since. He is now only behind the Braves’ Spencer Strider with +550 odds to take home the Cy Young award at the end of the season, per DraftKings Sportsbook.

This strong emergence as one of the league’s best pitchers has played a large role in the Diamondbacks early success this year. Despite being up against a challenging schedule early on, Arizona holds the top spot in the NL West with a 12-9 record.

The Diamondbacks will have a chance to improve upon this record with Merrill Kelly on the mound against the San Diego Padres. First pitch is at 5:10.