At Salt River Fields on Wednesday, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen marked the start of his spring training by reaching a fastball speed of 98 mph, a notable improvement that energized both him and fans. This performance during his outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers signals an encouraging development as Gallen continues to prepare for the upcoming season.
Gallen averaged 94.7 mph on his fastballs during the inning, up by 1.2 mph compared to last year’s average, according to Statcast data. This boost aligns with the velocity he has maintained in bullpen sessions and live batting practice, reflecting his offseason efforts.
Gallen Reflects on Velocity Gains and Physical Conditioning
Despite the impressive speed, Gallen downplayed the sudden jump in velocity, joking about his curveball speed as a point of surprise.
“When I saw the 92 mph curveball I was like, ‘I guess it’s not real,’”
Gallen laughed. He emphasized that the increased heat on his fastball is the result of consistent work rather than overnight transformation.
“From a physicality standpoint, I feel the ball has been coming out of my hand really good, the velocity in sides and live BP has been a tick up from years past,”
Gallen explained.
“I feel like delivery is in a good place. Really tried to work at it. … I feel like I’m in a good spot with the training I put in.”
During his inning, Gallen allowed a single to Hyeseong Kim but managed to strand the runner with two strikeouts, despite the Dodgers missing their full lineup. Gallen’s control and pitch execution appeared steady as he settled into his rhythm.
Gallen’s Path Back with the Diamondbacks After Free Agency
Gallen rejoined the Diamondbacks on a one-year contract nearly a week into camp after an unexpectedly prolonged free agency period. Returning to Arizona offers the right-hander a familiar environment in which to rebuild momentum and position himself for future success.
Having missed the start of spring training, Gallen noted he is matching the progress he would have made if he had been present since pitchers and catchers first reported. He pitched an inning on February 24, 2025, and is expected to take the mound on Opening Day.
“After like the second day, it’s like we’re back to business as usual,”
Gallen said.
Uncertainty Surrounding Opening Day Starter Role
The significance of Gallen’s readiness has grown as news emerged that fellow Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly will not be available for Opening Day on March 26 at Dodger Stadium due to a back injury. Gallen has been the team’s Opening Day starter for the past three seasons, but manager Torey Lovullo has yet to decide who will fill the role this year.
Gallen remains focused on supporting Kelly and preparing himself in a healthy way for his first start, regardless of the timing.
“That hasn’t even crossed my mind. Just trying to be sympathetic to Merrill,”
he said.
“For me it’s just what is gonna be the healthiest way for me to get ready for that first start, whenever it is.”
“Just trying to be there for him.” ?Zac Gallen, SP Arizona Diamondbacks
Observations and Performances from the Diamondbacks-Dodgers Spring Matchup
Reliever Drey Jameson also made his spring debut during the game, pitching an inning that included two runs allowed (one earned), two hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. After recovering from Tommy John surgery and additional elbow issues that limited his 2025 season, Jameson expressed optimism about his slider’s feel but acknowledged that his changeup requires further refinement.
“The main focus for me isn’t the heater, it’s getting that changeup with the speed difference to get that 7-10 mph speed change,”
Jameson said.
“Today I think it was probably up there. … That’s something I’m going to have to work on, trying to kill velocity on that changeup.”
Jameson’s four-seam fastball averaged 97.4 mph, while his changeup reached 89.9 mph, which is below the ideal differential he wants to achieve to effectively disrupt hitters’ timing. His aim is to develop a third pitch to complement his heater and slider and keep batters off balance.
Focusing on his health remains a priority this spring. As Jameson put it,
“That’s what I can take away from today is that the slider is back, I found the slider, I’m healthy and there’s still work to be done.”
Ryan Waldschmidt’s Defensive Highlight and Offensive Contributions
Top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt made a standout defensive play, diving to catch a sharply hit line drive headed toward the left-field line. His performance showcased his athletic ability early in Spring Training.
Offensively, Waldschmidt finished the game with one hit in three at-bats, including a single off a 106 mph ground ball up the middle, alongside a strikeout.
“Ryan Waldschmidt is having an awesome start to #SpringTraining 👀” ?Reno Aces, Minor League Team
Key Offensive Moments Against Roki Sasaki
The Dodgers started 24-year-old Roki Sasaki, noted for his postseason success, but Diamondbacks hitters made early impacts against him. Geraldo Perdomo and Nolan Arenado delivered line drives traveling at 105 mph, and Ildemaro Vargas contributed a two-run double. Perdomo is batting .455 this spring, while Arenado is 3-for-6 with two doubles and a home run.
Tim Tawa and Jose Fernandez Hit Consecutive Home Runs
In the seventh inning, Tim Tawa and Jose Fernandez produced back-to-back home runs for the Diamondbacks. Tawa’s long shot cleared right-center field, followed immediately by Fernandez’s quick line drive to left field, adding to the team’s offensive momentum.
Errors and Base on Balls Prolong Game in a Challenging Spring Contest
The Diamondbacks committed three errors during the game, involving Vargas, Fernandez, and Druw Jones, resulting in five unearned runs. Coupled with nine walks issued by Arizona pitchers, these miscues extended the game to three hours and 28 minutes.
Most of these mistakes emerged from younger, less experienced players, highlighting the pressure faced by minor leaguers transitioning to major league competition. Manager Torey Lovullo stressed the importance of fundamentals, saying,
“Things such as filling up the strike zone and picking up the baseball on defense didn’t happen today,”
and
“We got to take care of the basic things.”
Upcoming Spring Training Appearances to Watch
Looking ahead, Eduardo Rodriguez is scheduled to make his spring debut on Thursday at Salt River Fields, pitching against the Kansas City Royals. Other relievers expected to see action include Ryan Thompson, Kade Strowd, and Yilber Diaz, as the Diamondbacks continue to evaluate their bullpen depth and readiness for the regular season.
Diamondbacks SP Zac Gallen said he has not thought about starting on Opening Day in the wake of Merrill Kelly being ruled out.
"Just trying to be there for him." pic.twitter.com/FeHOKbmp7W
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) February 25, 2026
Ryan Waldschmidt is having an awesome start to #SpringTraining 👀 pic.twitter.com/NHnKcUp2W5
— Reno Aces (@Aces) February 25, 2026
