Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field. May 8, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Randy Johnson is no longer the only Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher to ever strike a bird with a pitch.

Before the Diamondbacks’ afternoon game against the Oakland Athletics, pitcher Zac Gallen was warming up in the outfield when he fired a curveball toward the catcher.

However, before the pitch reached its intended target, an unsuspecting bird got caught in the crossfire and was struck by the pitch.

The incident was captured by Bally Sports Arizona. Warning for anyone who would prefer not to see a bird get hit.

This is, of course, the second time that a member of the Diamondbacks has (presumably) ended the life of an avian spectator. In 2001, Randy Johnson seemingly exploded a bird mid-flight when it flew right into a pitch during a spring training game.

It’s an unfortunate end for the bird, but hopefully, Gallen doesn’t get the same treatment that Johnson received from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), who reportedly considered pressing charges against him on the bird’s behalf for animal cruelty, despite the fact that it was obviously an accident.

Gallen came into Wednesday with a 0.855 WHIP and has a 2.35 ERA in nine starts and 57.1 innings. He’s also tallied just eight walks compared to 70 strikeouts. Hopefully, people can get back to focusing on his pitching prowess soon.

[Bally Sports Arizona]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.