The Arizona Diamondbacks have reinstated ace starting pitcher Zac Gallen from the injured list to face the Oakland Athletics on Saturday. Gallen had been sidelined with a right hamstring strain for nearly a month. Manager Torey Lovullo expressed excitement about having their ace back and expects him to provide stability to the team’s struggling rotation. Prior to his injury, Gallen had a 3.12 ERA this season and four straight quality starts.
With other pitchers like Eduardo Rodriguez and Merrill Kelly also on the injured list, the D-backs have been struggling with starting pitching depth. Their team ERA in June was one of the highest in the league. Gallen’s return is expected to ease the pressure on the bullpen and provide an example for the entire team to follow. The D-backs are hoping Gallen’s presence will help them snap their three-game losing streak.
Following Gallen’s return, left-handed reliever Brandon Hughes was optioned to Reno after giving up three home runs in a recent game. Gallen’s return is seen as a positive step for the struggling D-backs as they look to turn their season around. The team will face the Athletics at 1:10 on Saturday. Fans can tune in to 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app for live coverage.
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