Home / Sports / Diamondbacks Pitching Puzzle: Gallen, Soroka, Burnes Dilemma
Diamondbacks Pitching Puzzle: Gallen, Soroka, Burnes Dilemma
12 Sep
Summary
- Corbin Burnes returned from Tommy John surgery, limited pitch count.
- Zac Gallen and Michael Soroka activated from IL, creating rotation decisions.
- Data suggests Michael Soroka is the more effective pitcher over Zac Gallen.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are grappling with a significant pitching staff challenge as several key arms return from injury. Corbin Burnes made his comeback on September 8 after Tommy John surgery, pitching three scoreless innings but with a limited 57-pitch count.
On September 9, Zac Gallen and Michael Soroka were activated from the injured list. Gallen pitched 3.1 innings, allowing two runs, followed by Soroka who pitched four innings and gave up a three-run homer but then retired 11 of 12 batters.
Manager Torey Lovullo faces a tough decision for the upcoming series against the Marlins starting September 14. Burnes is slated for the first game but will have pitch limitations, while both Gallen and Soroka are capable of throwing 75-80 pitches.
Data strongly favors Michael Soroka, who has a 3.53 ERA and better peripheral metrics (xERA 4.31, FIP 3.04) compared to Zac Gallen's 6.22 ERA (xERA 6.68, FIP 5.41). Gallen's velocity was also down, and his slider was hit hard.
Adding to the roster complexity, Ryne Nelson is expected to return next week, requiring a player to be designated for assignment. This decision could potentially involve Gallen or effective relievers like Derek Law or Dennis Santana.
