Former UNC starting pitcher Zac Gallen will get his first taste of the big leagues on Thursday after being called up to the Miami Marlins from his spot with the New Orleans Baby Cakes in Triple-A.

Gallen was originally a third-round draft choice by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016 following his junior season at UNC, but was traded to the Marlins prior to the 2018 season as part of a package the Cardinals sent in exchange for outfielder Marcell Ozuna.

So far this season at the Triple-A level in New Orleans, Gallen has been spectacular. The New Jersey native has thrown 91.1 innings over 14 starts, with an ERA of 1.77 and 112 strikeouts against just 17 walks–leading the Pacific Coast League in many of those categories.

Recently, Gallen was named the PCL’s Pitcher of the Week for the third time this season.

He joins a Marlins team currently possessing the worst record in the National League at 26-45, a record good enough for third-worst in the entire major leagues.

Only the Baltimore Orioles (21-52) and Kansas City Royals (25-48) have struggled more.

 

Photo via Associated Press

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