PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks have solved their influx of starting pitchers problem, going with Michael Soroka to start Tuesday against the Miami Marlins.
Michael Soroka will start for the Diamondbacks on Tuesday. Zac Gallen will shift to a relief role.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) September 13, 2026
According to Arizona Central’s Nick Piecoro, this will move Zac Gallen to a relief role as Soroka keeps his place in the rotation. The decision comes after days of deliberation about what Arizona would do with many of its starters coming back from injury.
The club decided to do a piggyback game with both starters in the series finale against the Kansas City Royals last week, having stretched them out enough for a few innings and wanting to build both arms coming off the injured list. It didn’t work out in their favor, with Gallen giving up hard contact and two runs, while Soroka gave up a three-run home run that pushed the game out of reach.
May 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Michael Soroka (34) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
However, the piggyback may not have ultimately decided between the two pitchers. Instead, their overall seasons and what they individually provide could have played the bigger role.
Soroka has had the better year, statistically. Despite a few injuries this summer, he’s posted a 3.53 ERA through 99.1 innings and a 1.16 WHIP. While the home run to the Royals was the stain on an otherwise efficient outing, he followed it up by striking out four batters and walking only one.
May 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Gallen, on the other hand, has continued to struggle to rediscover his form as the once-ace of the pitching staff. This year, he’s posted a 6.22 ERA through 101.1 innings and a 1.57 WHIP. He did have the better outing of the two against the Royals, allowing only one earned run on four hits.
Soroka gets the start and Gallen moves to the bullpen, but with the Diamondbacks still navigating their crowded pitching staff and more arms returning, this may not be the last change we see.
Apr 10, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Michael Soroka (34) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
