Diamondbacks' Gallen, Yankees' Cole Named AL, NL Players of the Week

Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen and New York Yankees star Gerrit Cole were named the American League and National League Players of the Week, for the week of April 10 through April 16.

Both pitchers made two starts over the past week, and both pitchers were lights-out.

Gallen allowed zero runs and just five hits over 13.2 innings pitched, striking out 18.

Cole allowed two runs off seven hits in 16 innings pitched, striking out 13.

Both pitchers' teams are off to a strong start to begin the 2023 Major League season. The New York Yankees enter play Monday standing at 10-6, four games back of the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays opened the season 14-2, the best start in franchise history.

The Arizona Diamondbacks lead the National League West, with a 9-7 record.

Gallen had the lowest WHIP in the National League last season, and finished fifth in NL Cy Young Award voting. Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara won the award. Once upon a time, both Gallen and Alcantara were prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system at the same time, before they were packaged in a trade to Miami for outfielder Marcell Ozuna. Gallen was later flipped to the Diamondbacks for Jazz Chisholm, who recently graced the cover of MLB: The Show 23.

Gallen's club will open a series at Busch Stadium Monday night, as the Diamondbacks take on the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cole's Yankees will host the Los Angeles Angels this week in the Bronx, as the last two American League MVP Award winners — Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge — prepare for battle.

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