Gallen (elbow) waiting on second opinions

Gallen will get a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday to map out a timeline for his return to the mound. Things could obviously change in the coming weeks, but it sounds like the Diamondbacks are holding out hope that Gallen can avoid surgery and return to action at some point before the end of the 2026 season.

Gallen was scratched from Sunday’s start against the Dodgers due to the issue with the expectation that he would also be placed on the injured list. The 30-year-old hurler has had an abysmal season for the Diamondbacks, registering a 6.34 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and a 61/31 K/BB ratio over 98 innings of work. There’s no clear timeline for his return.

He’s likely to go on the IL, with Mitch Bratt being called up to start in his place against the Dodgers. Gallen is just 3-9 with a 6.34 ERA through 19 starts this season. He’s been even worse while losing each of his last four starts, posting a 9.67 ERA and striking out just 11 in 22 1/3 innings. He’s on a one-year, $22.05 million contract after struggling to find a multiyear deal in free agency last winter.

Gallen’s woes continued against the Padres on Tuesday. San Diego got to him for four runs in the first inning, including a three-run homer by Jake Cronenworth. He’d settled in to give the Diamondbacks five more scoreless frames, ending his day after six with five strikeouts. The 30-year-old right-hander will take a 6.34 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, and a 61/31 K/BB ratio across 98 innings into a start against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Gallen getting released by the D-backs when Michael Soroka comes off the IL has to be on the table at this point. He just isn’t showing MLB-quality stuff right now, and there’s nothing to suggest it’s about to change. Through 19 starts, Gallen has given up 116 hits versus 56 strikeouts. He’s surrendered 17 homers in 92 innings. In 2022, he gave up 15 in exactly twice as many innings (184). His velocity hasn’t changed much, so maybe there’s still hope for a turnaround. Still, this is a Triple-A pitcher right now. He’s due to face the Padres next.

Gallen, who failed to strike out a batter on Friday, ran into trouble early in this one. A walk to Yandy Díaz in the first inning was followed by him hitting Jonathan Aranda with a pitch to put runners on first and second. In the next at-bat, Gallen was taken 455 feet to center field by Junior Caminero to give the Rays a 3-1 lead before Gallen could record an out. Gallen would get through the next five innings without allowing a run, but was hit around again in the seventh inning, allowing a solo homer to Cedric Mullins while also giving RBI hits to Días and Aranda. The righty continues to struggle as he now falls to 3-7 on the season and finds himself sitting on a 6.15 ERA at the end of June. He’ll look to turn things around in his next start, which is scheduled for Wednesday against the Giants.

The game will be made up on July 23. Expect Thursday’s scheduled starters — Michael McGreevy and Zac Gallen — to pitch on Friday for their respective ballclubs.

Remember how some pundits thought it was a good idea to give Gallen a multiyear deal as a free agent over the winter? The warning signs were all obvious, and he’s 3-6 with a 6.10 ERA through 16 starts this year. The D-backs have to stick with him after losing two of their other starters to the IL, but only a modest rebound should be expected at this point. He’ll make his next start Thursday in St. Louis.

Gallen struck out four and walked two, allowing two homers as the Diamondbacks went on to win 5-3. JJ Bleday and Noelvi Marte each tagged him for a solo shot on the afternoon. The right-hander re-signed with Arizona on a one-year deal this past offseason and will become a free agent again after the year. His next outing comes at home against the Twins.

There was a little speculation that the D-backs might be ready to DFA Gallen after he struggled against the Dodgers last time out. It seemed like reach then and it’s probably still a reach now, but it’s just hard to find optimism at this point. Gallen has a 5.43 ERA and just 48 strikeouts in 69 2/3 innings through 14 starts. He’ll face the Angels next week. which seems like good news for Mike Trout and companty.