Gallen's Hamstring Injury Compounds Diamondbacks' Woes

Arizona ace Zac Gallen has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a strained right hamstring, dealing a significant blow to the struggling Diamondbacks.

Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained right hamstring, marking another setback for the reeling National League West team.

Gallen was forced to exit Thursday night's start against the New York Mets just six pitches in, complaining of hamstring tightness. An MRI revealed the extent of the injury, prompting the Diamondbacks to place the reigning Cy Young Award candidate on the shelf.

The 28-year-old right-hander has been a workhorse for Arizona, posting a stellar 3.12 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 11 starts this season. His absence creates a significant void in the Diamondbacks' starting rotation, which is already missing Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez due to shoulder injuries.

Manager Torey Lovullo expressed his disappointment with the latest injury blow, acknowledging the impact it will have on the team's competitiveness. "It hurts, there's no doubt about it," Lovullo said. "I hated having to pull him off the field. I think everybody felt the same way."

The Diamondbacks have struggled in Gallen's absence, losing four straight games to fall below .500 at 25-31. The team's starting pitching has been particularly vulnerable, with the rotation posting a collective 5.12 ERA this season.

In Gallen's place, the Diamondbacks have recalled right-hander Slade Cecconi from Triple-A Reno. The 24-year-old has made five starts and one relief appearance for Arizona this season, but has struggled with his control, walking 19 batters in 24.2 innings.

Rodriguez is reportedly throwing at 75 feet, while Kelly is expected to begin a throwing program next week. However, there is no definitive timetable for their return, further complicating the Diamondbacks' pitching situation.

All-Star shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, who has been sidelined with a right meniscus tear, is expected to make his rehab debut in the Arizona Complex League on Friday. Right-handed reliever Miguel Castro, who is recovering from right shoulder inflammation, is scheduled to throw from 100 feet.

The Diamondbacks' injury woes have coincided with a sharp decline in their performance, raising concerns about their ability to compete in the NL West. With the Dodgers and Padres leading the division, Arizona faces an uphill battle to climb back into contention without its key players.

Gallen's injury is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Diamondbacks, who have been plagued by injuries and underperformance throughout the first half of the 2023 season. The team's hopes of rebounding now rest on the shoulders of their remaining starters and the rehabilitation progress of their injured players.