Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen has endured an extremely difficult 2026 season, and his latest setback has only added more uncertainty to an already frustrating year.

The veteran is currently on the 15-day Injured List with what the team has described as right elbow inflammation.

He is also seeking additional medical opinions before determining the full extent of the injury.

As is often the case with elbow issues, the initial diagnosis could ultimately lead in very different directions.

At this point, it remains unclear whether the injury is relatively minor or something much more serious. The timing could hardly be worse.

After finishing the 2025 season with a career-worst 4.83 ERA in 192 innings across 33 starts, Gallen has struggled even more in 2026.

He owns an MLB-worst 6.34 ERA in 98 innings over 19 starts.

His underlying metrics also suggest the disappointing results are not simply the product of bad luck.

Despite those struggles, Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen remains confident in the veteran right-hander.

Speaking with Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke Show, Hazen acknowledged that Gallen has not performed at the level everyone expected.

He also noted that the pitcher fully understands how difficult the season has been.

For now, Hazen said the organization is separating Gallen’s performance from the current medical situation while waiting for more information regarding the injury.

Even so, Hazen made it clear his confidence in Gallen has not changed.

He emphasized that Gallen has spent years proving himself as one of MLB’s dependable starters and believes the veteran has not forgotten how to pitch.

Hazen also pointed to Eduardo Rodríguez as an example of how quickly fortunes can change.

Rodríguez struggled through the previous two seasons with 5.04 and 5.02 ERAs before putting together an outstanding first half in 2026.

Through 19 starts, Rodríguez owns a 2.29 ERA over 114 innings and earned the first All-Star selection of his career.

There is also recent history suggesting Gallen can recover from adversity. Last season, he began turning his year around after the trade deadline.

If Gallen returns healthy within the next few weeks, every remaining start could carry enormous importance for both his future and Arizona’s postseason hopes.

Gallen has built his reputation on competitiveness, preparation, and resilience. Throughout his career, he has consistently shown the ability to analyze his performances and make meaningful adjustments when necessary.

He never backs away from difficult situations and has earned respect for accepting responsibility when things do not go his way.

His calm demeanor allows him to stay composed even after challenging outings. He also possesses the confidence required to attack hitters without hesitation.

Those qualities have helped him overcome adversity before and remain valuable assets as he works toward returning to form once he is healthy again.

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