The Arizona Diamondbacks, struggling through a six-game losing streak and having dropped nine of their last ten, turn to Zac Gallen to reverse their fortunes in a key pitching matchup against the Oakland Athletics. The game is set for Saturday night, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. MST. Gallen’s performance is critical as the Diamondbacks look to secure a win and regain momentum.
The team’s offense has been largely ineffective recently, scoring only 14 runs over their last ten games, including just one run in Friday’s 5-1 loss. More run support will be essential for Gallen if the Diamondbacks hope to break their slide.
Analysis of the Starting Pitching Matchup Between Gallen and the Athletics
Zac Gallen has a strong track record against the Athletics, having allowed just two runs over 17 innings while striking out 23 batters. This historical success could boost Gallen’s confidence as he challenges hitters in the strike zone and works the edges. On the Athletics side, starter J.T. Ginn primarily relies on a combination of sinkers and sliders, occasionally mixing in curveballs and changeups.
Among the Athletics lineup, infielder Luis Urias is the only player with more than four plate appearances against Gallen, which may give Gallen an additional advantage due to the lack of familiarity from most hitters on the roster.
Despite these positives, Gallen has struggled overall this season. His fastball velocity remains close to previous years, down by only 0.6 MPH compared to last season, matching his levels from 2022 and 2023. However, his ability to induce swings on pitches outside the strike zone has dropped from 34% during his peak in 2022 to 29% this year, with many of those pitches being non-competitive. Contact rates against him have also risen, with hitters making contact 90% of the time inside the zone, up from 87%, while the rate of hard hits has increased from 29% to 37%. These trends correlate directly with Gallen’s rise in runs, hits, and home runs allowed.
J.T. Ginn’s slider stands out as his best pitch, boasting a low expected batting average of .212 and a high whiff rate of 32%. Still, he has allowed four home runs on 207 sliders, resulting in a negative run value.
Current Lineups Await Confirmation
Lineup details for both teams are pending updates, with further information expected prior to game time.
Review of Bullpen Performances for Both Teams
In their last outing, the Diamondbacks received only 2.1 innings from starter Anthony DeSclafani, relying heavily on the bullpen for 5.2 innings of effective relief. Kyle Nelson marked his season debut with a scoreless inning. Jalen Beeks returned from the injured list to secure one out, while Jake Woodford and John Curtiss pitched two innings each, with Woodford allowing a run.
Some Diamondbacks relievers have not pitched recently; Kevin Ginkel has been sidelined for over a week, while Kendall Graveman has not appeared in five days. Left-handed pitchers Andrew Saalfrank and Kyle Backhus are both rested and available.
The Athletics’ starter pitched five innings in their previous game, followed by four innings from the bullpen. Sean Newcombe, a leading member of their closer committee, was active, while Michael Kelly and Jack Perkins of that committee remain rested.
Implications of the Pitching Duel and What Lies Ahead
For the Arizona Diamondbacks, Zac Gallen’s start against the Athletics represents a pivotal moment in their season as they seek to arrest a damaging losing streak. His ability to recapture the form he showed in previous seasons, combined with timely offensive support, could be decisive in shifting the team’s trajectory. The Athletics will rely on their bullpen committee and Ginn’s pitching mix to contain the Diamondbacks’ offense and maintain their own momentum.
With the teams’ lineups to be finalized, and fatigue factors weighing on key bullpen arms, Saturday’s matchup promises to be a critical test of pitching depth and resilience for both clubs.