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Zac Gallen throws bullpen as he continues to progress from hamstring injury

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Michael McDermott | Last updated Jun 11, 2024 7:59 PM ET

Before the Diamondbacks series opener against the Los Angeles Angels, manager Torey Lovullo gave updates on the status of injured players. Lovullo told reporters, including Arizona Sports beat reporter Alex Weiner, Zac Gallen threw a 31-pitch bullpen on Tuesday and will throw another one on Friday. If that goes well, it could progress to a sim game before returning to the starting rotation. Gallen suffered a right hamstring strain in his start against the New York Mets on May 30 and was placed on the 15-day injured list.

Zac Gallen threw a 31-pitch bullpen today and will throw another pen on Friday.

After that, Torey Lovullo said Gallen would probably need to throw in a sim game or two.

— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) June 11, 2024

Arizona has had to survive with a patchwork rotation the past 10 games, going 6-4 without the services of their top three starting pitchers. Having Gallen back gives them a starting pitcher the team can feel confident they can win every fifth day, as the recent performances of their other starters have been subpar. They’re trying to piece things together with Tommy Henry, Slade Cecconi, and Ryne Nelson asked to fill in, with mixed results at best.

Alek Thomas is continuing his running progression and could DH in a complex league game on Thursday if things go well. Thomas has been out since March 31 with a left hamstring strain. It appeared he was set to return last month, but he suffered a setback with his hamstring and started the rehab process over again.

Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas is continuing to progress with his running and will DH in a complex league game on Thursday if all continues to go well, manager Torey Lovullo said.

— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) June 11, 2024

The Diamondbacks face a tough decision with their outfield when Thomas is ready to return from the injured list. Jake McCarthy has played very well, hitting .282 with three home runs with a .769 OPS, showing he’s deserving of an everyday role. However, Thomas’ presence in the lineup relegates the hot-hitting McCarthy to a fifth outfielder and occasional starter status. It will be an interesting balancing act between McCarthy’s offensive impact and Thomas’ glove in center field.

Other updates

Kevin Newman and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will be considered backup options at first base while Pavin Smith is currently on an optional assignment with Triple-A Reno. Newman has seven career starts at the position while Gurriel has 10.
Lovullo called Geraldo Perdomo the emotional leader of this team. In the 59 games without Perdomo on the roster, the Diamondbacks were 27-32.
Blaze Alexander is taking ground balls at third base, as the Diamondbacks could potentially start evaluating their options at the position . Alexander is in the starting lineup as the DH against the lefty Jose Suarez.