What happened to Zac Gallen? Diamondbacks ace exits start against Mets after only 6 pitches

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen exited Thursday's game against the New York Mets after only six pitches due to a strained right hamstring. After getting swept by the Texas Rangers this week, the Diamondbacks entered the four-game series and will be keen to take advantage of the Mets' poor form. However, while facing only his second batter of the evening, Gallen strained his hamstring after delivering a fastball and limped off the field.

Zac Gallen was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2016 MLB Draft and was traded to the Miami Marlins the following year. He made his major league debut with them in 2019 before being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since then, he has established himself as one of the top pitchers in the country, making the All-Stars last year and finishing in the top five in the Cy Young voting in the previous two years.

While the Diamondbacks have struggled in the first two months of the MLB season, the Mets are among the few teams who have been worse than them. After Gallen's exit on Thursday, the Arizona side went on to take a 2-0 lead, thanks to a Ketel Marte RBI double in the third inning. While they will be eager to draw first blood in the series, the team's staff will also look to get a clearer picture of the pitcher's injury.

Diamondbacks youngster Justin Martinez makes MLB appearance in front of parents after Zac Gallen's exit

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez had his parents in attendance at Citi Field as he took the mound in the third inning. Zac Gallen was replaced by rookie pitcher Bryce Jarvis in the first, who gave way to Brandon Hughes in the second. Martinez was then called up after a Francisco Lindor home run in the third inning.

As Martinez makes his 15th appearance of the season, he is doubly motivated with his parents in the stands. The 22-year-old has a 0.53 ERA in the MLB this season and has shown plenty of promise so far.