Arizona Diamondbacks Set Rotation For First Two Games of NLCS

The Arizona Diamondbacks will open up the National League Championship Series on Monday night in Philadelphia and they will do so with ace Zac Gallen on the mound.

Per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic on social media:

Zac Gallen will start Game 1 and Merrill Kelly will go in Game 2, Torey Lovullo said. They are TBA beyond that, he said.

Zac Gallen will start Game 1 and Merrill Kelly will go in Game 2, Torey Lovullo said. They are TBA beyond that, he said.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) October 13, 2023

This is not a surprising development, as the D'Backs will have had plenty of days off after the NLDS to get their rotation in order.

Gallen was one of the best arms in the National League this year, going 17-9 with a 3.47 ERA. He struck out 220 batters in 210.0 innings, making 34 starts and starting for the NL in the All-Star Game. He also pitched to an excellent 1.12 WHIP.

Lifetime, the 28-year-old is 39-31 with a 3.21 ERA. He's also 2-0 this postseason with a 3.18 ERA, having beaten both the Brewers and the Dodgers in previous rounds.

While it has not been announced yet, it's fair to assume that the Phillies will counter with their ace, Zack Wheeler, in Game 1.

As for Kelly, he delivered a 12-8 record this year with a 3.29 ERA. He struck out 187 batters in 177.2 innings. The 35-year-old is 48-43 lifetime with a 3.80 ERA in five career seasons.

It's likely that he'll be opposed by Aaron Nola in Game 2.

The NLCS begins on Monday night with first pitch coming at 8:07 p.m. ET. Game 2 is Tuesday at the same time.

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