Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star pitcher Zac Gallen recently explained what makes Bryce Harper the toughest MLB hitter to pitch against, emphasizing the challenge Harper poses to even the most skilled pitchers. Known for his sharp baseball intelligence, Gallen highlighted how Harper’s approach at the plate creates headaches for opposing hurlers like himself.
The 29-year-old D-backs ace pointed out that hitters such as Freddie Freeman, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber adopt a calculated strategy during their at-bats. These players carefully analyze pitches while maintaining the threat of hitting a home run at any moment, making them especially challenging to face.
“I think Freddie [Freeman] is a guy that is tough to pitch. He thinks along with you, but he also can hit for damage, too,” said Gallen. —Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks Pitcher
During a recent episode of Dugout Discussions with Mike Rose, Gallen identified this trio as among the most difficult hitters to outwit. He emphasized that the combination of mental acuity and raw power they demonstrate turns every plate appearance into a complex mental battle.
“Some of the guys that tend to think with you aren’t necessarily like huge power guys in a sense. But the guys who think along with you and cant hit for damage and make it a tough at bat — [Freeman], Schwarber, and Harper’s up there too. Those guys are trying to think along with you. To me, those bats are the true chess matchup.” —Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks Pitcher
Recent Performance: Zac Gallen’s Struggles After Promising Start
Gallen showed strong form through his first five innings in his latest start against the St. Louis Cardinals last Friday, keeping the visitors scoreless while Arizona held a 1-0 lead. However, his performance unraveled in the sixth inning when he loaded the bases. After walking Ivan Rivera, Gallen allowed Victor Scott II to score on a crucial free pass.
The inning worsened when Nolan Arenado delivered a bases-clearing triple, resulting in four runs for the Cardinals. This sequence led to the Diamondbacks ultimately falling 4-3. Gallen was charged with the loss, finishing the outing with four earned runs, three hits, four walks, and four strikeouts over five and a third innings.
Current Stats and Upcoming Opportunity for Redemption
Following this appearance, Gallen’s record stands at 3-6 with a 5.25 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP, along with 63 strikeouts in 11 starts this season. Despite the setback, he has a chance to bounce back when he is projected to start the final game of the upcoming series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at home on May 28.
This upcoming start will be critical for Gallen as he aims to regain form and help stabilize the Diamondbacks’ pitching rotation. Facing the Pirates, a team with one of the weaker offenses, could provide an opportunity for Gallen to demonstrate his capabilities once more.