The Diamondbacks’ starting rotation took another hit, as Zac Gallen left his start against the New York Mets after just six pitches with a right hamstring strain. It was the same hamstring that kept him on the shelf for 11 days between starts after leaving his start against the Seattle Mariners on April 26.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!After the game, Gallen told reporters that the injury felt similar to the one in 2021. That year, he missed 14 days with a right hamstring strain, although the minimal stint on the injured list for pitchers is now 15 days. A similar injury would likely necessitate a trip to the IL, and require them to bring up a starter from Triple-A Reno.
The option that makes the most sense to bring up is Tommy Henry. Gallen’s spot comes up again on June 4 against San Francisco. Henry is on track to start that day for Reno on five days’ rest. His results in Triple-A have been solid since being sent down April 30, with a 3.71 ERA in five starts and a 30-to-14 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 26 2/3 innings. However, he has yet to put it together in the major leagues, with a 4.71 ERA in 32 appearances (31 starts).
Another option that isn’t too disruptive for the Diamondbacks rotation would be to bring up Cristian Mena. That would mean either starting him or Ryne Nelson on six days’ rest on June 4, which can disrupt a starting pitcher’s routine. It will be less disruptive for them to start Mena on extra rest, as a promotion to the big leagues is already disruptive in the first place. His numbers with Reno have improved in May, pitching to a 3.33 ERA and a 27-to-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 27 innings across five starts.
Slade Cecconi could be a potential option, but a lot of parts would have to line up for him to make that start. He would only be eligible for a recall if he’s the corresponding move for Gallen going on the IL. The first would be for him to start on four days’ rest on May 31 so he could line up for June 4 on the same rest. With the Diamondbacks bullpen reeling from having to get 24 outs, it makes more sense to use him as a reliever for the Mets series and then send him down again for Henry or Mena.
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
