SCOTTSDALE — The Arizona Diamondbacks named right-hander Zac Gallen their Opening Day starter on Wednesday, as Gallen will sub in for Merrill Kelly due to a back issue.
The D-backs open the season on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 26, a game that will involve much fanfare on national television (NBC). The rotation after Gallen has not yet been set, according to manager Torey Lovullo.
Gallen will make his fourth straight Opening Day start after re-signing with the Diamondbacks as a free agent a week into spring training. He will become the third pitcher in franchise history to start four Opening Day games, joining Randy Johnson and Brandon Webb.
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“It’s humbling, it’s crazy. It kind of puts into perspective how long I’ve been here,” Gallen said. “It’s nice. I know some people probably don’t think I deserve it. It is what it is, but you go out there and have a better year this year and try to have a little bit better results than last Opening Day.”
Gallen signed a one-year deal with two-thirds of the $22.03 million contract deferred after having previously declined the qualifying offer, returning to a familiar place that could use the pitching depth.
Gallen is coming off a down year with a 4.83 ERA in 33 starts, but he finished the season strong with eight quality starts in his last 11 games. He tossed three perfect innings in his last Cactus League start on Monday.
“He walked into camp very strong, very healthy and ready, and we have enough time for the build-up,” Lovullo said. “Those are all things that we need to see take place, and that takes a little bit of time, but once we got through the other day with the three-inning outing, we were in a really good spot. … I think (Ryne Nelson’s) time is coming. I think one day he’s going to have the ability to start, and he will get that nod, I guarantee it. Zac has done a lot right for this organization. … I just feel like Zac deserved it.”
Kelly was originally pegged as the Opening Day starter after he rejoined the D-backs this winter on a two-year deal with a vesting option, but intercostal nerve irritation in his back this spring wiped out his chance to start the opener.
Kelly will make his 2026 spring debut on Friday in Surprise against the Kansas City Royals, and he is expected to pitch one inning with a chance to touch the second inning if all goes well.
Gallen admitted it is a little bittersweet to start on Opening Day in place of Kelly, saying his longtime teammate deserved the opportunity.
“I know what it means personally,” Gallen said. “I can’t imagine what it means for him being a local guy and finally getting an opportunity, and then just having an unfortunate circumstance of not being healthy enough. I feel for him in that sense. So yeah, I mean, it’s not something I take lightly.”
Now the important decision for Arizona is whether Kelly will start on the injured list or fill into the back of the rotation out of camp.
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