For the Marlins, it’s Zac Gallen’s time to shine

Minor league phenom Zac Gallen will make his Major League debut for the Marlins tonight against the St. Louis Cardinals.

For Marlins pitcher Zac Gallen, the wait is over.

The Marlins rookie will make his Major League debut against the St. Louis Cardinals, the team that drafted him and traded him last offseason in a deal with Miami to acquire outfielder Marcell Ozuna. Gallen has torn up the Pacific Coast League, earning three Pitcher of the Week honors and had proven regardless of his current position as the Marlins 18th ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, he is as close to a sure thing this organization has.

There is some pressure in this kind of situation. The ball club has not exactly been a juggernaut at the plate this season and based on the performances of both Elieser Hernandez and Jordan Yamamoto have given the organization stability on the mound while veterans are on the mend. At some point, the front office will decide which of the two – Hernandez or Yamamoto – return to the minors once Caleb Smith returns.

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For Gallen, this is his apprenticeship, subbing for Pablo Lopez. The youth of this rotation has been better than some anticipated, regardless of the team’s record. It’s a rotation that could see changes if Gallen shows he belongs in the Show.

"“It’s kind of funny,” Gallen said via MLB.com. “When you get drafted by a team, you think you’re going to make it to their stadium in their uniform. But I’m wearing a different uniform. It’s awesome. It’s everything you ever dreamed up.”"

Gallen officially will be added to the 40-man roster before the 7:15 ET game, a move the Marlins had been planning to make at some point this season. From that point on, everything is as real as it gets.

"Per Joe Frisaro, “Gallen has been dominant with New Orleans, posting a 9-1 record and 1.77 ERA. In 91 1/3 innings, he has 112 strikeouts and 17 walks.”"

It isn’t lost on the Marlins they may have found a gem in the deal for Ozuna. The Marlins were insistent that Sandy Alcantara was part of the deal. The 23-year-old starter has had his own inconsistent issues this season.

"“Obviously, he’s [Gallen] having a really good year in Triple-A,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “Just another young, exciting guy for us. A guy with real nice pitchability. He’s got a number of pitches. Can mix and match, and a little bit of power too.”"

"In other Marlins news: Per Frisaro, “On Wednesday afternoon, the Marlins acquired outfielder César Puello from the Angels for cash considerations. In corresponding moves, Miami designated for assignment Rosell Herrera, who is out of options, and also placed right-hander Pablo López (right shoulder strain) on the 10-day injury list.”"

Puello was in a Miami uniform on Wednesday night in St. Louis. He made an appearance in the game, having one official at-bat. He was left on base twice.