Well, it’s official. The Arizona Diamondbacks made a major statement on who the starting pitcher is for Opening Day, and his name.. is Zac Gallen.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Torey Lovullo announced this today in an earlier media session:
#Dbacks manager Torey Lovullo announces Zac Gallen as their Opening Day starter. @azfamily pic.twitter.com/2uze58Xqjn
— Julia Lopez (@JuliaLopez3) March 20, 2025
What a massive decision coming from D-Backs head coach Torey Lovullo, and anybody who knows him, will attest that he loves his players and shows loyalty. Gallen has rightfully earned that opening day start, and the Arizona Diamondbacks fans will surely be ready and loud for one of their favorites as well. This also might show good faith with somebody who is entering free agency in November, knowing how much they value him.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen signs autographs for fans during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Feb. 12, 2025, in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Zac Gallen has absolutely worked every day for this. Not only has he been in the top 10 of Cy-Young votes three times since 2020, the 2023 all star has been the face of this Diamondbacks rotation, and deserves it.
Gallen in 2024, pitched 148 innings and ended the season with 156 strikeouts and a 3.65 ERA. Unfortunately, he was set back around a month last season with an untimely right hamstring strain. If Gallen can stay healthy this season, him and Corbin Burnes can be one of the best starting pitcher duos in the entire league.
Feb 19, 2025; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) poses for a portrait for MLB Media Day at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
That brings us to who Zac Gallen beat out for the start, Corbin Burnes. The newest superstar the D-Backs signed to a 6-year $210 million dollar deal back in January will be starting the second game on Friday against Chicago in the opening series. Burnes will have his time to shine in Arizona.. but for the 2025 season’s Opening Day, the ball is in Gallen’s hands.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
