PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks have made their decision on who will get the ball on Opening Day, and for the fourth season in a row, it will be their ace.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A fourth-consecutive Opening Day start ⭐️
Zac Gallen gets the nod for Game 1. pic.twitter.com/shhY63ffri
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 11, 2026
The club announced Wednesday that Zac Gallen will get the nod to open the 2026 season against the Los Angeles Dodgers, continuing a run of consistency at the top of Arizona’s rotation.
The selection comes after right-handed pitcher Merrill Kelly was removed from consideration due to back issues that halted his throwing program. Although he has made positive strides — including throwing a bullpen session to All-Star Corbin Carroll this week — the timeline would not have given him enough time to properly prepare for the start of the season.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning on Feb. 25, 2026, at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Gallen has been among the team’s most consistent pitchers, despite a difficult 2025 season in which he posted a 4.83 ERA. The second half of the year, however, showed signs of improvement. In his most recent Cactus League outing on March 9, Gallen allowed no hits, walks or earned runs while striking out three over three innings.
With his command, durability and ability to perform in high-leverage moments, the Diamondbacks are once again turning to the pitcher who has already handled the assignment three times before.
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen (23) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians at Chase Field on Aug. 19, 2025.© Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The four consecutive Opening Day starts also place Gallen in rare company in franchise history. Few pitchers hold the role for that long, and while this opportunity comes following an unfortunate injury to a teammate, it underscores how central the club views him to its rotation.
Since 2022, Gallen has been the pitcher the Diamondbacks trust to set the tone for a new season — a responsibility that carries significant weight.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Dodgers Freddie Freeman (5) with the bases loaded in the fifth inning during Game 2 of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
As Arizona prepares to open the year, the ball will once again be in Gallen’s hands as he looks to bounce back from the 2025 campaign.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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