Zac Gallen, currently a pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been named the Opening Day starter for the team in 2023. This news has sparked debate among baseball fans on whether or not Gallen is a reliable starting pitcher.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Zac Gallen’s selection as the Opening Day starter and analyze his potential as a starting pitcher.
Who is Zac Gallen?
Zac Gallen is a professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Major League Baseball (MLB). He is an up and coming talent who has shown great potential, evidenced by his recent appointment as the Opening day starter in 2023.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Zac Gallen’s early career and college stats, his minor league career, and his major league debut and performance.
Early Career and College Stats
Zac Gallen was born on August 3, 1995, in Gibbsboro, New Jersey. He attended Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, where he played baseball and was recognized as a top high school prospect.
After graduating from high school, he joined the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played college baseball for the university team.
During his time at UNC, Gallen recorded impressive stats, pitching in 41 games and finishing with an ERA of 3.55. He also registered 236 strikeouts in 308 innings pitched, which is an average of 0.77 strikeouts per inning.
His excellent college career earned him recognition from MLB scouts, who were already taking notice of his pitching talent.
Minor League Career
Gallen was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the 2016 MLB draft. He started his minor league career with the State College Spikes and made his professional debut on June 20, 2016.
In his first season, he pitched in 15 games and finished with an ERA of 1.59 and 55 strikeouts in 45.1 innings pitched.
Gallen continued his impressive form in the minor leagues in 2017, playing for the Palm Beach Cardinals, the team’s advanced-A affiliate. He finished the season with an ERA of 2.93 and 140 strikeouts in 147.2 innings pitched.
His performances earned him a promotion to the Cardinals’ double-A affiliate, the Springfield Cardinals, in 2018.
Major League Debut and Performance
Zac Gallen made his MLB debut on June 20, 2019, for the Miami Marlins. He pitched six innings, allowing just one hit while striking out six batters.
He followed up this impressive debut with another strong performance in his second start, allowing just two hits in seven innings pitched against the Washington Nationals.
Gallen was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019 and has since established himself as one of the team’s star pitchers. He finished the 2020 season with an ERA of 2.75 and 82 strikeouts in 72 innings pitched, earning him a place in the Diamondbacks’ rotation for the 2021 season.
Zac Gallen is a promising young pitcher who has impressed with his skills and performances throughout his career. From his early days in college to his minor league and now the major league, Gallen has shown himself to be a player to watch out for.
His recent appointment as the opening day starter for the Diamondbacks is a clear indication of how far he has come and the bright future that awaits him in the MLB.
Zac Gallen’s 2022 Season So Far
Zac Gallen, the right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, has had a mixed season so far in 2022. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but has also struggled with consistency, resulting in a 6-7 record and a 4.51 ERA through July 27th.
In terms of performance and stats, Gallen has had some impressive moments. He has managed to strike out 124 batters in just 99.1 innings pitched, showcasing his ability to rack up the K’s. He’s also held opposing batters to a .238 batting average, an indication of his quality pitching.
However, Gallen has struggled with control at times, issuing 38 walks, resulting in a high WHIP of 1.35. He’s also given up 15 home runs, which stands out as a weak point in his game.
One of the highlights of Gallen’s season so far was his start against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 7th. In that game, he pitched 7 innings, giving up just one run and striking out 9 batters. This performance highlighted his ability to dominate opposing batters when he’s on his game.
However, Gallen has also had some rough outings, such as his start against the Chicago Cubs on July 2nd. In that game, he gave up 9 hits and 5 runs in just 4 innings, leading to a 12-4 loss for the Diamondbacks.
Here, the struggles in his command were on display, as he issued three walks and allowed two home runs.
Overall, Gallen has been a mixed bag for the Diamondbacks this season. While he has shown potential to be a dominant pitcher at times, he has also struggled with consistency and control.
Moving forward, he will need to iron out those weaknesses to become a more stable presence on the mound for Arizona.
Why Zac Gallen Could Be a Good Opening Day Starter?
Past Performance
Zac Gallen has demonstrated strong performance in past seasons, particularly during his rookie year with the Miami Marlins in 2019. He posted a 5-8 record with a remarkable 2.81 ERA in 15 starts.
Following his trade to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2020, he continued to excel with a 3-2 record and an impressive 2.75 ERA in 12 starts. These statistics highlight his ability to pitch at a high level and consistently deliver strong performances on the mound.
Consistency in Pitching
Gallen has showcased consistency in his pitching, utilizing a diverse repertoire of pitches such as fastball, changeup, slider, and curveball.
His mastery of these pitches enables him to keep batters off balance and gain an advantage in counts, resulting in a higher number of strikeouts and fewer walks.
His remarkable strikeout-to-walk ratio of 11.57 in 2019 and 5.21 in 2020 further attests to his ability to consistently execute his pitches with precision.
Ability to Handle Pressure
Gallen has demonstrated an impressive ability to handle pressure and excel in crucial moments. In the 2020 season, he was entrusted with starting against formidable opponents, including the Houston Astros and the San Diego Padres.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Gallen remained composed and delivered notable wins, showcasing his capability to pitch effectively in high-pressure situations.
Marlin’s Catcher Jacob Stallings Striking Out Ronald Acuna Jr.
The Game and Moment
In a blowout loss against the Atlanta Braves, Jacob Stallings of the Miami Marlins found himself on the mound in the top of the ninth inning as a position player.
Facing off against the Braves’ star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., Stallings managed to strike him out swinging on three pitches. The moment was unexpected and caught the attention of fans and media alike.
Reactions and Opinions of Fans and Media
The moment of Stallings striking out Acuna Jr. was seen as a light-hearted and humorous moment in an otherwise disappointing game for the Marlins.
Many fans and media outlets praised Stallings for his efforts and his ability to strike out one of the best players in the league, especially considering he is not a pitcher.
However, some critics pointed out that it was not a true accomplishment since Acuna Jr. may not have been taking the at-bat seriously in a game that was so lopsided.
Impact on the Marlins and Mlb
While the impact of Stallings striking out Acuna Jr. may be minimal in the grand scheme of things, it does speak to the unpredictability and entertainment value of baseball.
Moments like these help to keep the game exciting for fans and provide memorable moments that are talked about for years to come. Additionally, it shows the versatility and talent of players like Stallings who are able to excel in multiple positions.
Overall, the moment may not have a significant impact on the Marlins or Major League Baseball, but it showcases the fun and quirky aspects of the sport.
Who Drafted Zac Gallen?
Zac Gallen was selected in the 2016 MLB draft. He was picked in the third round. The team who drafted him was the St. Louis Cardinals. He was the 106th overall pick. Gallen was a highly regarded prospect in the draft.
The Cardinals saw potential in his talent. Gallen is a right-handed pitcher. He played college baseball at UNC Chapel Hill. Gallen was named the ACC Pitcher of the Year in 2016. The Cardinals hoped Gallen would have a successful career in their organization.
How Tall is Zac Gallen?
Zac Gallen is an American professional baseball player. He currently plays as a pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks team. He was born on August 3, 1995, in New Jersey, USA. Gallen attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played college baseball.
He stands at a height of 6 feet 0 inches or 1.83 meters tall. Gallen weighs 191 pounds or 87 kilograms. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Gallen made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins on June 20, 2019.
He was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 31, 2019. Gallen’s impressive pitching skills have earned him numerous Rookie of the Year award nominations.
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To Recap
While Zac Gallen has shown promise as a starting pitcher, there are still some concerns about his consistency and ability to pitch deep into games. However, the Diamondbacks have shown confidence in him by naming him as their Opening Day starter for 2023.
Only time will tell if Gallen will continue to impress and solidify his place as a starting pitcher in the major leagues.
