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UNC Baseball: Zac Gallen off to solid start in 2020

By Nick Delahanty

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 07: Starting pitcher Zac Gallen #59 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on August 07, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 07: Starting pitcher Zac Gallen #59 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on August 07, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Former Tar Heels pitcher Zac Gallen is making his case to stay in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting rotation.

The Major League Baseball season is underway, and a handful of former Tar Heels are competing throughout the league.  One former Tar Heel who is in action is Zac Gallen. The 24-year-old is currently pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and is working to prove that he is a full-time starting rotation option in the big leagues.

So far, Gallen is off to a good start.

Gallen has made two starts this season, and has allowed just three runs over ten innings of work. Although he does not have a decision to his name, the Diamondbacks were victorious in both of his starts.

In his last start on July 31, Gallen faced a very talented Los Angeles Dodgers roster. The young right-hander struck out five of the first seven batters he’s faced, and ended up striking out 9 batters overall over six innings of work.

The 24-year-old has been considered an “under-the-radar” type of prospect, but multiple clubs have seen potential in the right hander.

Gallen was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Gallen quickly rose through the ranks, reaching the Triple-A level by the end of the 2017 season. Although he was impressive for the Cardinals organization, he wouldn’t last long with the organization.

During the 2018 campaign, Gallen was traded to the Miami Marlins as part of the Marcell Ozuna trade. The deal presented him with a unique opportunity to make his way to the big leagues.

Just a season later, Gallen found himself making his Major League debut with the Marlins.

After seven starts with Miami, the right-hander was traded to the Diamondbacks for Jazz Chisholm, who many consider a top prospect in the game.

Now in his second season with the Diamondbacks, it appears that Gallen has found a long-term home.

If he continues to pitch the way he has been, he’ll be a mainstay in Arizona’s starting rotation for years to come.

Next. UNC Baseball: Matt Harvey inks deal with Kansas City Royals. dark

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