When Will Zac Gallen Return and Be Back? Fantasy Baseball Injury Update

Arizona Diamondbacks ace pitcher Zac Gallen exited a game early with a hamstring strain for the second time this season just five pitches into his his May 30 start against the New York Mets.

Zac Gallen coming out of the game.

Seems to be his hamstring. pic.twitter.com/KeFGaSj5k0

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— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 30, 2024

With Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez both on the IL, the D-backs hope to get Gallen back on the field sooner rather than later, especially considering they currently have the fifth-highest ERA in the NL.

What is the latest injury update for Gallen? Can we expect him back soon?

Zac Gallen Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball

Manager Torey Lovullo said on Monday that Gallen, who was added to the IL on May 31, would begin a throwing program on Tuesday. According to Lovullo, his stint on the IL shouldn't be much longer than the required 15 days, but we've heard him downplay injuries only to find out they're more severe than once thought. Here's to hoping this isn't one of those instances.

Thankfully, this injury wasn't related to his throwing arm, as many other pitchers have had this season. After his first start, where the pitching staff might keep a closer eye on Gallen, the leash should come right off for him to pick up where he left off.

Zac Gallen Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Assuming that Gallen can return as Lovullo says, he will remain a must-start every time he takes the mound, as he's had a top-five Cy Young finish in each of the last two years. Gallen has allowed more than three runs only once this year while stranding over 80% of runners on base. He holds the 17th-lowest ERA among starting pitchers with at least 50 IP.

Since returning from his first hamstring injury in late April, Gallen has posted a 2.81 ERA through 25.2 IP while striking out 25 batters and allowing a .639 OPS. Once he comes back, we can expect him to pick back up where he left off.

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