Full Breakdown
Arizona Diamondbacks Move Zac Gallen to IL, Call Up Mitch Bratt
7/13/2026, 12:25:40 PM
Core Event
The Arizona Diamondbacks placed right-hander Zac Gallen on the 15-day injured list because of right elbow inflammation and recalled left-hander Mitch Bratt from Triple-A Reno to start the final pre-All-Star game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The move created a spot in the rotation for a pitcher who had been struggling throughout the 2026 season.
Background & Context
Gallen entered the season on a one-year contract after rejecting a qualifying offer in February. By mid-season he was 3-9 with a 6.34 ERA over 19 starts, the worst qualified ERA in the majors. His recent form deteriorated further, posting an 0-5 record and an 8.24 ERA in his last eight outings dating back to May 29. The Diamondbacks had limited alternatives, having already optioned Jose Cabrera and awaiting the return of right-handers Michael Soroka and Ryne Nelson.
Key Figures
- Zac Gallen – 30-year-old right-hander, former 2023 National League All-Star, career 69-61 with a 3.83 ERA.
- Torey Lovullo – Diamondbacks manager, responsible for the IL decision.
- Mitch Bratt – 23-year-old left-hander, Arizona’s top high-level prospect, who posted a 2.41 ERA and a 3.61 expected ERA in Triple-A Reno.
Data & Statistics
- Gallen’s 2026 line: 3-9, 6.34 ERA, 0-5 in his last eight starts, 8.24 ERA over that span.
- Bratt’s Triple-A performance: 2.41 ERA, 3.61 expected ERA, 25.2 % strikeout rate in 13 starts.
- In Bratt’s second major-league appearance (July 12), he allowed three runs on three hits over three innings; the bullpen added six no-hit innings in a 5-3 win that completed a three-game sweep of the Dodgers.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Torey Lovullo explained the decision:
> “I think he felt something and he spoke up and that’s when we decided to get him examined.” — Torey Lovullo, Manager
> “Zac will be able to give you a little bit more detail as to exactly how he was feeling outing to outing.” — Torey Lovullo, Manager
Lovullo added that no timetable for Gallen’s return had been set and that the team would assess his status during the All-Star break.
Criticism & Opposition
No public criticism of the move appeared in the supplied reports. Analysts noted the Diamondbacks’ lack of viable alternatives, but no opposing viewpoints were quoted.
On-the-Ground Reports
Field Level Media noted that after Bratt’s start, six relievers combined for six consecutive no-hit innings, securing a 5-3 victory and a three-game sweep of the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the timing of the IL placement. AP and SRN News describe the move as occurring on the Sunday before the All-Star break, without a specific date. Sports Illustrated lists the placement as June 9, 2026, while El-Balad states the injury was reported on July 11 and the IL move was retroactive to July 9. No official medical diagnosis beyond “inflammation” was provided, and the expected recovery timeline remains unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think he felt something and he spoke up and that’s when we decided to get him examined,” — Torey Lovullo, Manager
- “Zac will be able to give you a little bit more detail as to exactly how he was feeling outing to outing,” — Torey Lovullo, Manager
- “He just wanted the ball, and then I think he felt something, he spoke up and that’s why we decided to get him examined.” — Torey Lovullo, Manager
The Diamondbacks now rely on Bratt’s promising minor-league track record while hoping Gallen can recover and return to a rotation that has struggled to find stability this season.
