The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing a difficult decision regarding their pitching rotation as they prepare to complete their series against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday night. With an intense stretch of 17 consecutive games ending just before the All-Star break, the team is carefully considering how best to manage the workload of their starting pitchers, including Zac Gallen, to maintain their effectiveness.
The demanding schedule began on June 27 at Chase Field against the Miami Marlins and runs through July 13 against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, followed by a short All-Star break from July 14 to 17. The season resumes on July 18 with a home series versus the St. Louis Cardinals, adding to the strategic challenges for manager Torey Lovullo.
Rotation Adjustments Possible as Lovullo Evaluates Zac Gallen’s Start
In a recent pre-game press conference, Lovullo indicated that Eduardo Rodriguez and Ryne Nelson would pitch as planned for the first two games of the Royals series on Friday and Saturday. However, Zac Gallen’s start scheduled for Sunday remains uncertain, as the manager hinted at the possibility of giving Gallen an additional day of rest to preserve his arm strength.
Should Gallen be pushed back, the team would need to adjust the rotation by inserting a different starter for Sunday’s game. This shift could push Gallen’s next start to Monday, July 7, in San Diego, effectively cascading the pitching schedule forward and affecting upcoming matchups.
Possible Starters to Fill Zac Gallen’s Slot
While Torey Lovullo has not named a specific replacement if Gallen’s rest is extended, options exist within the current roster. Anthony DeSclafani, who last pitched on July 1, represents one possible candidate. Recently, DeSclafani has worked on gradually increasing his pitch count, throwing 25 pitches in his latest outing. If chosen to start on Sunday, his pitch limit would likely be around 50 to account for recent workload limitations.
Another potential option is Jake Woodford, who was signed recently and threw 53 pitches during his appearance on Wednesday night. With only three days of rest by Sunday, he could be a viable choice. Additionally, Bryce Jarvis is scheduled to pitch for the minor league Reno Aces on Saturday, July 5. Calling Jarvis up for a spot start could provide the Diamondbacks with a pitcher able to stretch between 75 and 80 pitches, offering flexibility for that key start.
Updates on Player Health and Team Readiness
Manager Lovullo also shared details on the health status of other key players. Outfielder Corbin Carroll continues to show encouraging progress by taking aggressive swings in the batting cage, gearing up for a live batting practice session against reliever Kendall Graveman, who is currently rehabbing, scheduled for Friday. Such preparations are vital for Carroll’s return to the lineup.
Josh Naylor is expected to rejoin the active roster soon after receiving rest during a recent game against a left-handed pitcher. His brief absence resulted from neck spasms, but Lovullo assured that Naylor is feeling better and is on track to play in upcoming contests.
Ryne Nelson, who faced criticism after being pulled in the seventh inning with two outs, reported no lingering physical issues from that start. Although his early removal led to inherited runners scoring, Nelson’s health remains stable, allowing him to continue contributing on the mound for Arizona.
Maintaining Pitching Health Key During Grueling Stretch
As the Diamondbacks manage this intense period with back-to-back games and minimal rest days, their priority is preserving the health and effectiveness of their starting rotation. The potential adjustment to Zac Gallen’s schedule exemplifies the team’s cautious approach toward preventing injury and ensuring performance stability.
How the team resolves this rotation dilemma will have significant implications for their ability to compete during the upcoming series against the Royals and beyond. Lovullo and his staff will likely monitor performances closely and make further decisions about pitcher usage as the demanding schedule progresses.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Zac Gallen?
A. On May 31, Gallen was put on the 15-day injured list because of a strain in his right hamstring. He came back on June 29, pitching six innings without giving up any runs against the Oakland Athletics and allowing just one hit. This was the fifth time in his career, and the second time in 2024, that he pitched for 6 or more innings allowing one hit or less.
Q. Why do they call Zac Gallen the milk man?
A. Fans call Gallen “The Milkman” because he is reliable. On Thursday, he donated milk to St. Mary’s Food Bank. He worked with the food bank to give 2,300 gallons from Shamrock Farms, a local business.
Q. What does Zac Gallen throw?
A. In 2025, this pitcher mainly used a four-seam fastball at 93 mph and a curveball at 81 mph. They also included a changeup at 87 mph, a slider at 88 mph, and a cutter at 89 mph in their pitches. Compared to other right-handed pitchers, their four-seam fastball had less movement to the arm side but had average speed.
Q. Why is Zac Gallen the milk man?
A. PHOENIX — While attending college at North Carolina, Zac Gallen received the nickname “The Milkman”. This was partially due to his last name, but also because he consistently performed well.