Diamondbacks' Gallen has sore forearm, might miss opener

The Arizona Diamondbacks might be missing their best pitcher on opening day.

Starter Zac Gallen is being evaluated for soreness in his right forearm and his status is uncertain to begin the season on April 1.

The 25-year-old Gallen was scratched from his scheduled exhibition start on Monday. He said he first felt the injury when he was jammed during batting practice about 10 days ago.

Gallen went 3-2 with a 2.75 ERA during the pandemic-shortened season, striking out 82 in 72 innings.

Gallen said it was frustrating to get hurt while swinging the bat instead of throwing on the mound. He's in favor of the designated hitter in both leagues, which was the rule across Major League Baseball in 2020 in the shortened 60-game season.

The National League switched back to pitchers hitting for the 2021 season.

“It’s definitely frustrating considering I’m kind of an advocate for the DH,” Gallen said. “I get paid to pitch, that’s kind of how I look at it. It comes along with the job. I play in the National League, you have to hit, you have to bunt, you have to do those certain things.”

The Diamondbacks have had multiple injuries to key players during spring training.

Starting right fielder Kole Calhoun had knee surgery earlier this month and is expected to miss at least the first few weeks of the season. Reliever Tyler Clippard is battling shoulder soreness and has been shut down from throwing for at least six weeks.

DUGOUT CHATTER

Mike Piazza, at spring training with the New York Mets as a guest instructor, spoke with All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has started discussions about a long-term contract.

Lindor was acquired from Cleveland in January. He's eligible for free agency after the season.

“I was fortunate to have a nice conversation with him today,”...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Diamondbacks-Gallen-has-sore-forearm-might-miss-16045303.php