Zac Gallen Exits Game in First Inning vs Mets, Speaks to Media After

The already injury-ridden D-backs might have just lost another key piece.

Apr 26, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) leaves the game with an apparent injury during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports / Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen exited today's game in the first inning at Citi Field. Right-hander Bryce Jarvis entered from the bullpen with a runner on first and an 0-1 count. Arizona's ace only threw six pitches before walking off the field with a trainer with an apparent limp.

Per the D-backs, Gallen left the game with a right hamstring strain. After the game, Gallen addressed the media and explained how this was different than the last time he was removed mid-start in Seattle on April 26th.

"A little bit different," Gallen said. "The one in Seattle was a little bit more minor. This one is mild I guess. It felt similar to what I did in 2021. All I know is I couldn't really keep going. If I did I would put the team in jeopardy of not giving them a chance to win."

Gallen had gotten off to a decent start in that Seattle contest, before leaving after five innings, and his subsequent start was pushed out to May 7th, although no time was spent on the injured list.

Gallen had allowed a leadoff single to Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, then, on the first pitch to DJ Stewart, came up gimpy off the release. It appeared to be that his leg was offering some discomfort once again.

#Dbacks Zac Gallen left tonight's start in the first with an injury. It occured on this pitch in the first inning. pic.twitter.com/XEEQzUZII4

— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) May 30, 2024

Gallen had made four starts between then and today's game, without much sign that suggested his issue had been more serious than originally thought. Tonight's injury left the starter frustrated.

"I felt good the last few starts after the one in Seattle. I felt good every time I went out there. Obviously I had some fatigue and stuff like that. But I felt pretty good with my routine and the way everything had gone, even going into the game, warming up, everything felt fine."

The plan for Gallen is to be evaluated tomorrow. That will likely include getting an MRI, and see what they're dealing with.

Gallen has pitched well in 2024, and the D-backs, who were just 1-4 in their last five games, were in desperate need of a Quality Start from their ace to get back on track. They ended up losing the game 3-2 despite having an early 2-0 lead as the bullpen was not able to hold it late. Full game story Here.