D‑Backs Place Zac Gallen on IL, Recall Mitch Bratt

Gallen Hits Injured List

The Arizona Diamondbacks have moved right‑hander Zac Gallen to the 15‑day injured list due to right elbow inflammation. Gallen, 30, was slated to pitch the final exhibition game before the All‑Star break, but manager Torey Lovullo changed plans after the pitcher reported discomfort. Lovullo said Gallen “felt something and he spoke up” and that a recovery timetable will be determined during the break. The move sidelines a veteran who has posted a 0‑5 record and an 8.24 ERA in his last eight starts dating back to May 29.

Season statistics paint a bleak picture for Gallen: a 3‑9 win‑loss record with a 6.34 ERA across 19 starts. Over his career he stands at 69‑61 with a 3.83 ERA in 195 major‑league outings for the Miami Marlins and the Diamondbacks. Gallen earned National League All‑Star honors in 2023 and finished third in that year’s NL Cy Young Award voting. His removal could force Arizona’s rotation to adjust just ahead of the mid‑season pause.

Bratt Returns to the Mix

To fill the vacancy, the D‑backs have recalled left‑hander Mitch Bratt, 23, for his second stint with the club. Bratt made his MLB debut on June 24 against the St. Louis Cardinals, allowing a single run over three innings of work. He brings a fresh arm to a rotation that has been battling consistency. Manager Lovullo indicated Bratt will start tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Bratt’s recall marks a quick return after a brief early‑season call‑up, suggesting the Diamondbacks see him as a potential rotational piece. The 23‑year‑old righty, who throws from the left side, will add depth as Arizona looks to keep pace in the NL West. Tonight’s matchup against the Dodgers is his second chance to prove he belongs at the big‑league level.

What It Means for Arizona’s Playoffs Push

The loss of Gallen is a setback for a rotation that had already been short‑handed after injuries earlier in the year. With Gallen’s 8.24 ERA over his last eight outings, the Diamondbacks needed a reliable arm to maintain their winning momentum heading into the All‑Star break. Bratt’s return offers a glimpse of potential, though his minor‑league tracking will determine how long he can stay in the majors.

Arizona’s bullpen will also feel the strain as it tries to compensate for a missing starter. The team’s management will monitor Gallen’s elbow progress closely; a quick recovery could see him back before the September push, but a longer rehab could force the D‑backs to rely on younger arms or trade acquisitions. The coming days will be critical in shaping Arizona’s trajectory for the remainder of the season.