Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen is currently on the injured list with a hamstring strain. The 28-year-old could return soon, however. According to MLB.com, Gallen could return during the Diamondbacks' upcoming June 28-30 series against the Oakland Athletics barring any setbacks in his recovery.

Gallen has almost missed a month due to the injury. He has been taking steps in the right direction and it appears his return is right around the corner.

The Diamondbacks could use their ace to re-join the team as soon as possible. Arizona currently sits in third place in the National League West with a 39-40 record. They are 10 games behind the first place Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Diamondbacks won the National League in 2023 before falling short to the Texas Rangers in the World Series. They narrowly snuck into the postseason as an NL Wild Card team before catching fire in October en route to a World Series appearance. The D'Backs understand that all they need to do is book their ticket to the postseason.

We are still in June so there is plenty of time for the D'Backs to begin playing a more consistent brand of baseball. Perhaps Zac Gallen's return will spark a winning streak for Arizona.

Zac Gallen nearing return

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen looks on during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Gallen finished third in NL Cy Young voting in 2023 after pitching to a 3.47 ERA across 34 starts. He added a career-high 220 strikeouts while recording 210 innings. Pitchers are often limited by pitch counts in today's game, so surpassing the 200-inning mark is quite impressive.

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Overall, it was a tremendous season for Gallen. He started the 2024 campaign strong as well before suffering his hamstring injury. Gallen has a 3.12 ERA in 11 starts so far this season.

Teams often find more success when they have a true ace leading the rotation. Arizona is going to benefit without question once Gallen returns.

Diamondbacks' 2024 season

Arizona has played .500 baseball in 2024. This is a team with the talent to perform much better, though.

Jordan Montgomery, who signed late in spring training, has yet to find his groove on the mound with his new team. Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez are both on the injured list as of this story's writing.

Offensively, the team needs more production. Corbin Carroll has struggled mightily at the plate in 2024. Arizona needs the star outfielder to bounce back soon.

Ketel Marte has led the Diamondbacks' offense but he needs more help from his teammates. Christian Walker has also added crucial production in the power department. Regardless, one has to wonder if the Diamondbacks will attempt to add a bat or two before the trade deadline.

Gallen's return will feel like an addition on its own for the rotation. The team certainly misses Kelly and Rodriguez, but they are hopeful that Gallen can help the pitching rotation take a step forward.

The Diamondbacks should be able to contend for an NL Wild Card spot at the very least. Still, making an impactful move or two before the trade deadline would only increase their chances of reaching the postseason.