May 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) reacts during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks at Texas Rangers
(New York, NY) — Goodbyes aren’t always easy, or conducted with grace.
So says Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen.
Appearing on Foul Territory, Gallen spoke about being shipped off from the Cardinals organization–he was just a minor league player at the time–to end up in Miami, where he would make his pro debut.
“The Cardinals do winter camps in the offseason…” began Gallen when asked to walk through the deal. He said due to exhaustion and other commitments, he couldn’t arrive until one of the final ones to participate and have his exit meeting. “They’re like ‘yeah you really didn’t have to be here. Thanks for coming down.’”
“And on the way home…they traded me.”
Gallen, who found out about the trade at the airport, said he couldn’t determine for sure whether his absence was what prompted the trade, but he did say the following:
“You know the Cardinals, you know they got their certain ways about how they go about some things.”
Gallen has been incredible this season, posting a minuscule 0.92 ERA and 0.62 WHIP with a ridiculous 54:2 K:BB over 39 innings. He’s tied for the NL lead with five wins and ranks second in MLB with 64 punchouts on the campaign.
