The Arizona Diamondbacks are going to need all the help that they can get in the final days of the regular season. In recent days, things are starting to come together.
Corbin Burnes returned from Tommy John surgery, making his 2026 debut on Tuesday. Ahead of Arizona’s matchup against the Kansas City Royals, the team got positive news on starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Michael Soroka.
The Diamondbacks activated Gallen from the 60-day injured list. Meanwhile, Michael Soroka was activated from the 15-day injured list. In corresponding moves, Arizona optioned Kade Strowd and Blake Walston to Triple-A, MLB Trade Rumors’ Charlie Wright wrote.
Zac Gallen Scheduled to Start vs. Royals on Wednesday
Right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen has been sidelined since July 7 after discovering right elbow inflammation. Surgery was a possible option for Gallen, but it was bypassed after learning that a procedure wasn’t required for the setback.
After missing over two months, the former MLB All-Star is scheduled to make his return on Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals.
He will face the Royals’ Daniel Lynch IV (4-5 record, 3.51 ERA) on Wednesday night.
Gallen, 31, hasn’t found much momentum since his last All-Star appearance in 2023. Through 19 starts this season, he carries a 3-9 record, 6.34 ERA, and 1.56 WHIP across 98.0 innings pitched.
Michael Soroka Injury Details
After discovering right shoulder inflammation in late August, starting pitcher Michael Soroka was placed on the 15-day injured list.
The 29-year-old missed just 17 days before the Diamondbacks activated him from the injured list on Wednesday. Soroka did not need a rehab stint before returning to Arizona’s pitching rotation.
Before going down with the setback, Soroka has been a reliable starter for the Diamondbacks this season. In 18 starts, he has an 8-4 record, 3.40 ERA, and 1.16 WHIP across 95.1 innings pitched.
Diamondbacks Get Pitching Reinforcements Back Before Playoff Push
Arizona is getting more depth in the pitching rotation just in time for the late-season push for a spot in the postseason. With 16 games remaining, every game will count for the Diamondbacks down the stretch.
Entering Wednesday, Arizona has possession of the final spot in the National League Wild Card. However, their NL West rival, the San Diego Padres, are right behind them. San Diego is just a half-game behind Arizona for the final spot.
Arizona’s playoff situation has ultimately already started in early September. Their three-game series against the Padres to end the regular season could be the deciding factor in their quest for October baseball.
Diamondbacks Announce More Pitching Injury Updates Ahead of Postseason Push