Diamondbacks' Zac Gallen: Nearing bullpen work

Gallen (elbow) is expected to throw off flat ground and throw a bullpen session in the coming week, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Throwing off a mound is a significant step for the right-hander, although he would require a few weeks to build up arm strength and endurance for a return to the rotation. Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen had previously said that Gallen would require more imaging after a period of not throwing; however, the GM was uncertain if that was still in the plans.