​LOS ANGELES — The Arizona Diamondbacks announced roster changes ahead of their matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers, placing right-hander Zac Gallen on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his right elbow. In a corresponding move, left-hander Mitch Bratt was recalled to start for Arizona against Los Angeles. The decision comes after Gallen was originally slated to take the mound in the final game before the All-Star break, with manager Torey Lovullo confirming a late change to the rotation.
Gallen, 30, has endured a challenging stretch, failing to record a win in his past eight starts dating back to May 29. Over that span, he has posted an 0-5 record with an 8.24 ERA, contributing to an overall season mark of 3-9 with a 6.34 ERA across 19 outings. Lovullo indicated that Gallen sensed something amiss and spoke up, prompting the decision to have him examined. The team plans to outline a recovery timeline during the All-Star break, after which a clearer prognosis should emerge.
With eight seasons of major league service under his belt, Gallen owns a career record of 69-61 and a 3.83 ERA in 195 starts spanning his time with the Miami Marlins and the Diamondbacks. He earned National League All-Star honors in 2023 and finished third in NL Cy Young Award voting that year, underscoring the high ceiling and prior peak performances that have made his current slump particularly noteworthy for Arizona.
Bratt, 23, is back on the Diamondbacks’ roster for a second stint. He debuted in the major leagues on June 24, allowing one earned run over three innings in a start against the St. Louis Cardinals. The left-hander’s return adds depth to Arizona’s pitching staff as it navigates the early-season headaches and the ongoing impact of Gallen’s absence.
The timing of Gallen’s IL designation places added emphasis on how the Diamondbacks will navigate a pivotal stretch without their ace, particularly against a formidable Dodgers lineup. Bratt’s promotion signals a willingness to test depth within Arizona’s rotation and leverage young pitching talent as the club seeks stability on the mound during an important part of the schedule.
As the All-Star break approaches, both clubs will monitor roster moves closely. For the Diamondbacks, the immediate focus is on managing Gallen’s elbow inflammation and ensuring a swift, safe return to the mound, while Bratt will take the ball in hopes of delivering a solid outing against one of the National League’s strongest offenses. For the Dodgers, the challenge remains to maintain offensive consistency and capitalize on opportunities against a shortened rotation in the Diamondbacks’ bullpen and starting staff.
This development comes at a time when Gallen’s recent performance has drawn scrutiny from fans and analysts alike, given his past success and the expectations placed on him within Arizona’s brief window of contention. Lovullo’s rotation shuffle underscores the team’s strategic approach to injury management and player health, prioritizing long-term well-being over short-term fixes as they prepare for the second half of the season. The Dodgers, meanwhile, will look to continue their own momentum as they face a Diamondbacks squad that is eager to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the absence of their ace.
In sum, Gallen’s placement on the injured list with right elbow inflammation marks a critical juncture for the Diamondbacks as they recalibrate their pitching plans ahead of the All-Star break. Bratt’s recall provides a glimmer of opportunity for the club’s developing pitching pipeline, and the immediate question remains how quickly Gallen can recover and rejoin Arizona’s rotation with minimal disruption to the team’s playoff aspirations. The Dodgers, aiming to stretch their dominance in the series, will be met with a Diamondbacks club that is recalibrating but not relinquishing its ambition for a strong finish to the season.