SCOTTSDALE – The desert air crackled. Forget the slow start; Zac Gallen just sent a message. In a Spring training performance that echoed postseason intensity, the Diamondbacks’ ace unleashed a dominant display against the Rockies, leaving fans and teams alike wondering: Is this the blueprint for a playoff return?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The start of Spring training for the Arizona Diamondbacks has been a mixed bag. It started 1-4 and dimmed the light of hope many Diamondbacks fans had coming into the season before it even began. However, Arizona has settled in, going 3-0-1 in its last four games, including its latest 8-4 win over the Rockies. Diamondbacks’ ace Zac Gallen got the start on the bump and calmed the ease of fans with a stellar start.
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jose Herrera talks with pitcher Zac Gallen (23) during a spring training game against the Cleveland Guardians at Salt River Fields on Feb. 24, 2025.
In his first start, Gallen only pitched one inning and allowed a run via a solo-homer, unlike the All-Star. Motivated for better production, Gallen dominated the Rockies in a short two-inning outing. The sixth-year Dbacks’ arm had his stuff early, allowing only two hits and striking out three Rockies batters.
Zac Gallen, Dirty 79mph Knuckle Curve. ???? pic.twitter.com/ihvpHCv5v4
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 1, 2025
Gallen’s start on Saturday brought his Spring training ERA to 3.00, looking to be in midseason form. The right-hander heads a talented starting rotation for the Diamondbacks. The newly added right-hander Corbin Burnes, who’s also impressed in Spring training, and fellow All-Star Merrill Kelly make up the three-headed monster of Arizona’s dominating starting pitching.
The Diamondbacks’ recent stretch is building confidence for the franchise to return to the playoffs after a disappointing output of last season. To achieve that, Gallen must continue Saturday’s output all season long.
Seriously, D-backs fans have a right to be nervous about Spring Training right now
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
