PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ undefeated streak against the San Francisco Giants in 2026 came to an end Wednesday, with fans growing even more frustrated over Zac Gallen’s latest outing.
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Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen (23) pitches against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field in Phoenix on July 1, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
There’s no question the former Arizona ace hasn’t pitched his best over the last few months. Against San Francisco, he took the loss after allowing six earned runs on six hits over 5.2 innings, including two home runs. After his last start at Chase Field on June 20 against the Minnesota Twins — when he lasted just four innings after allowing nine earned runs — fans were once again frustrated with his performance and his inability to give the D-Backs a quality start.
Another Zac Gallen start, another 5 ER. Really hard for the #DBacks to compete every 5th day knowing they start down at least 5 runs (and that’s a good Zac Gallen day at this point)
— Goldschmidt Happened (@GoldyHappens) July 2, 2026
it’s time to move on from zac gallen
— audra (@rosestreakks) July 2, 2026
They need to DFA Zac Gallen, this is ridiculous
— Blake Allen Murphy (@blakemurphy7) July 2, 2026
To be fair, Gallen’s outing had been steady before it unraveled, allowing just one hit through four innings.
However, it’s how an outing ends that ultimately matters most. Gallen continues to have the highest ERA in MLB at 6.36. The right-hander hasn’t picked up a win for the D-Backs since June 14 against the Cincinnati Reds.
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen (23) pitches against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field in Phoenix on July 1, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It’s understandable why fans may be frustrated with the performance, knowing where Gallen was just three years ago. He wasn’t just the ace of the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff but was regarded as one of the best pitchers in the National League. That left an impression on the fan base, which has wanted that same excellence since the club recommitted to him this offseason after two turbulent seasons.
If Arizona believed in him, fans wanted to believe in him, too. Yet supporters haven’t had many reasons to, which has made them increasingly restless as the club continues to fight for its place in the National League playoff picture.
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen (23) pitches against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field in Phoenix on July 1, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Wednesday’s loss won’t define the Diamondbacks’ season on its own, but it was another reminder of how much Gallen’s struggles have weighed on a team trying to stay in contention.
Until he rediscovers the form that once made him one of baseball’s top starters, the frustration surrounding every outing is only going to grow.
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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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