The Marlins are reportedly planning to promote righty Zac Gallen for his first MLB start. Craig Mish of MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM confirms some quality Reddit sleuthing (Twitter links). He’ll take the ball tomorrow in place of Pablo Lopez, who is headed to the injured list.
Gallen has been among the most intriguing hurlers in the minors thus far in 2019. He’s now through 91 1/3 innings of 1.77 ERA ball over 14 starts, with an impressive tally of 112 strikeouts against just 17 walks. While he has certainly shown legitimate potential at times in the past, that’s a new level of productivity for the 23-year-old.
Things are certainly headed in an interesting direction for a player who arrived in Miami without a ton of fanfare. He was a notable, but not overly hyped piece of the swap that sent outfielder Marcell Ozuna to the Cardinals. Gallen came over with Sandy Alcantara, whom he’ll now join on the Marlins staff.
As exciting as it is to get a look at Gallen at the MLB level, it’s unfortunate that his ascent comes with uncertainty for Lopez. Mish says (Twitter link) that shoulder concerns appear to have spurred the IL placement. There’s no indication at this point whether it’s a serious malady; it seems that’s just what is being assessed at the moment.
I saw Gallen pitch in the Cape Cod league a few years back and he definitely has some moxie. Nothing really stood out about the stuff, but he had simple, repeatable mechanics and went right after every single guy. I’ve kept tabs on him ever since. Looking at some more recent video, it seems like he’s maintained the over-the-top arm slot but added a little hitch right before he breaks his hands to hide the ball a little longer. The Marlins have some pretty intriguing arms. If Denbo can stay out of his own way, they may even develop a few of them.
shame for Lopez. he’s been a lot better lately. at least Gallen is getting his shot. hopefully they cut Urena when he gets back.
Finally.
Who’s going to be moved off the 40 man for Gallen?
I’ve seen most of Gallen’s starts this year at AAA NOLA. He’s a work horse, good delivery that’s repeatable, and almost a throwback pitcher to the 70s-80s, because he’s not flashy, just does his job. He’s not afraid to throw inside, and limits walks. He’ll do okay in that ballpark.
Marlins are gonna have a better record than the Cardinals next year!
And the pitching keeps rolling in for Miami. Almost a guarantee that there will be no spot for Urena come next season and that’s okay. Gotta find a spot for Sixto Sanchez
Next year should implore the 6 man roto: Caleb, Pablo, Richards, Gallen, Yamamoto. Gotta keep the innings low
Niedert/Urena for 6th lol
Sixto Sanchez needs a spot
I will say, Marlins fans should be excited about the direction they are going at this moment. Yeah they are going to finish last again, but I was impressed with watching them against my Brewers, and helped us out against the Cards as well. Good young pitching staff and some nice hitters like Anderson and Cooper. Would be nice to see them in contention soon, just Jeter does not screw it up
It was a terrible tear down and a PR disaster but they do have a lot of young and exciting pieces now.