UNC Baseball: Zac Gallen expected to start in the first spring game for Arizona
By Milan Patel
Former UNC baseball standout Zac Gallen will start in the first spring game for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
This move comes as Arizona tries to figure out its own rotation for the upcoming season. Gallen is expected to compete with veteran Madison Bumgarner, the Hickory, North Carolina native who also committed to the University out of high school but never attended, instead opting to start his MLB career out of high school in 2007.
The two former Tar Heel baseball commits are both looking to be the ace for the Diamondbacks rotation, and as of now, it looks like Gallen is pulling ahead.
Gallen was selected in third round in the 2016 MLB draft. Since making his debut in June 2019 for the Miami Marlins, he has been dominant with a 2.78 ERA, including a 2.75 ERA in 12 starts for the Diamondbacks last season.
The Diamondbacks struggled last season, finishing 25-35 and coming in second-to-last-place in the National League. They are playing in the top-heavy NL West with the San Diego Padres, and last season’s World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Gallen looks to be a bright spot for the club in 2021. The former Tar Heel will try to build on his strong performances in the condensed 60-game season. He started the season with a 1.80 ERA over eight starts, and was an early underdog for the Cy Young Award in 2020.
He was a three-year starter for the Tar Heels, and finished his college career with 42 starts and 3.36 career ERA, but posted a 2.79 and 2.68 ERA in his sophomore and junior seasons, respectively.
Even if the Diamondbacks don’t contend for the playoffs in 2021, Gallen is sure to impress Arizona fans and Tar Heel baseball fans alike.
Austin Love named ACC Pitcher of the Week. dark. Next
Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest on Zac Gallen, and UNC baseball alumni in the MLB.