Zac Gallen gets opening day nod again for Diamondbacks

Former UNC baseball standout Zac Gallen gets the opening day start for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024.

Former North Carolina Tar Heels’ pitcher Zac Gallen was a big reason why the Arizona Diamondbacks were able to win the NL pennant and make the World Series. Although the Diamondbacks fell short, it was a special season they are hoping to build on.

As the Diamondbacks get set for the 2024 MLB season, Gallen will once again be the team’s ace and get the opening day start.

The Diamondbacks announced on Tuesday that Gallen will be the team’s opening day start. The team will host Colorado on Thursday, March 28th at 7:10 p.m. MST. This is the second straight season that Gallen will get the opening day nod but the first at home as he started last season’s game in Los Angeles.

Gallen is coming off a big season in 2023, finishing third in the NL Cy Young race and being named the All-Star Game starter. He posted a 17-9 record with a 3.47 ERA in 34 starts for the Diamondbacks. He struck out 9.4 batters per nine innings while allowing just 22 home runs all year.

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