The Arizona Diamondbacks are taking an unconventional approach to Wednesday’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals, with Zac Gallen starting and Michael Soroka following in a bulk relief role.
Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reported that manager Torey Lovullo made the decision to keep both returning pitchers in roles that fit their experience and routines.
Gallen has started all 195 of his major league games and has never appeared out of the bullpen. Rather than disrupt that routine in his return from the injured list, Arizona will let him take the ball first before handing it to Soroka.
The Diamondbacks are also being cautious with Gallen after his extended absence. He recently completed a 60-pitch simulated game as he worked toward returning to competitive action.
Soroka, meanwhile, has experience pitching in relief and will be more comfortable entering after Gallen. Both pitchers are expected to work within a limited pitch range of roughly 55 to 70 pitches as Arizona manages their workloads.
The tandem comes one night after Corbin Burnes made his long-awaited 2026 debut. Arizona is effectively rebuilding its pitching staff on the fly with the postseason race entering its final weeks.
Gallen’s return could be particularly important. Before his injury, he had established himself as one of Arizona’s most dependable starters, while Soroka gives Lovullo another experienced arm capable of covering multiple innings.
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The Diamondbacks entered Wednesday 78-68 and holding the third National League Wild Card spot. They also carried a half-game advantage over the San Diego Padres for the final playoff position.
Arizona has won four straight and can complete a series sweep against Kansas City. With Burnes, Gallen and Soroka all returning around the same time, Lovullo is gaining options at a critical point of the season.
The immediate priority, however, is keeping both pitchers healthy. If the tandem works as planned, it could give the Diamondbacks another way to maximize their pitching depth without asking either returning arm to operate outside his comfort zone.
