The Rattle Take: Zac Gallen continues the dominance path

Two major league teams passed on Zac Gallen, one of the most dominant pitchers, currently in the Diamondbacks' starting five. The St. Louis Cardinals drafted Gallen in 2016. But, his tenure with St. Louis wouldn't last long. Before the 2018 season, the Cardinals traded Gallen with LHP Daniel Castano, outfielder Magneuris Sierra, and RHP Sandy Alcantara to the Miami Marlins for Marcell Ozuna.

Horrible trade for sure.

Gallen would later debut with Miami before being traded again to Arizona. The Diamondbacks gave up on one of the Marlins' current stars, Jazz Chisholm. While the everyday second baseman looked like a franchise player, Gallen is not doing bad for himself either.

Zac Gallen delivered on Thursday night as the D-Backs defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-1 at Wrigley Field. The right-hander improved to a 3-0 record, with a 1.14 ERA in seven starts. After five innings of work, Gallen earned his latest victory, allowing only two hits, one run, and three walks while striking out four. The Diamondbacks scored three runs in the first, giving Gallen some early run support.

Since he arrived in Arizona, Gallen has turned into a legitimate ace for the Diamondbacks. This year we have seen Zac throw six different pitches, with the fastball being his favorite with an average velocity of 94.4 mph. Opponents have a batting average of .164 in 308 pitches thrown. He has struck out 19 and allowed only one home run with his filthy heater.

The only issue that Gallen has to figure out is his walk percentage, which is 80%, and of course, staying out of the injured list. A thing he has been doing a lot since the start of his major league career. However, his strikeout percentage at least is doing great, seating at 69% and a chase rate of 28.5% this season.

If he continues at this rate, he might find himself in the NL Cy Young conversation sooner than later.