The Arizona Diamondbacks’ run of success against the San Francisco Giants in 2026 ended Wednesday, and Zac Gallen was at the center of the frustration that followed.
Gallen took the loss after giving up six earned runs on six hits across 5.2 innings, with two home runs leaving the yard. It was the latest rough chapter in a stretch that has worn down the fan base, especially after his previous start at Chase Field on June 20 against the Minnesota Twins, when he lasted only four innings and was tagged for nine earned runs.
The reaction online came fast and loud.
“Another Zac Gallen start, another 5 ER. Really hard for the #DBacks to compete every 5th day knowing they start down at least 5 runs (and that’s a good Zac Gallen day at this point)”
“it’s time to move on from zac gallen”
“They need to DFA Zac Gallen, this is ridiculous”
There was at least a brief stretch Wednesday that suggested things might settle down. Gallen allowed just one hit through four innings before the outing fell apart.
But the damage was done, and the bigger number keeps hanging over everything: Gallen now owns the highest ERA in MLB at 6.36. He also hasn’t earned a win for the Diamondbacks since June 14 against the Cincinnati Reds.
That’s a hard pill to swallow for a fan base that remembers a very different version of Gallen. Just three years ago, he was the ace of Arizona’s staff and one of the best pitchers in the National League.
That history is exactly why the disappointment has been so sharp. The Diamondbacks recommitted to him this offseason after two turbulent seasons, and supporters wanted to believe the old version of Gallen was still in there.
Instead, the struggles have piled up while Arizona tries to keep pace in the National League playoff picture.
Wednesday’s loss won’t define the season by itself, but it fit the pattern that has made every Gallen start feel heavier than the last. And until he finds the form that once made him one of the game’s top starters, the frustration around him is only going to keep building.
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