Merrill Kelly Named Diamondbacks Opening Day Starter vs Dodgers

Kelly will build his first career Opening Day start on March 26 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Merrill Kelly, a 37-year-old pitcher, will start on the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks on Opening Day next month, manager Torey Lovullo announced on Saturday. Kelly has been a consistent presence in the Diamondbacks' rotation since 2019, having previously pitched in South Korea before joining the team.

Why it matters

Selecting a veteran pitcher like Merrill Kelly for Opening Day signals a prioritization of experience and stability as the Diamondbacks begin a new season. This decision suggests a strategic focus on a reliable start, even with the addition of other talented pitchers to the roster.

The details

Kelly, who was re-signed by the Diamondbacks to a two-year deal this offseason following a trade that sent him to the Texas Rangers at the deadline last year, will make his first career Opening Day start on March 26 against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chavez Ravine. Last year, Kelly made 32 starts with a 3.52 ERA while pitching for both Arizona and Texas, and since the start of 2022, he has maintained a 3.47 ERA.

  • Merrill Kelly will start on March 26 against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chavez Ravine.
  • Kelly has been with the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2019.

The players

Merrill Kelly

A 37-year-old pitcher who will start on the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks on Opening Day next month.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks who announced that Merrill Kelly will start on Opening Day.

Zac Gallen

A pitcher who was recently signed by the Diamondbacks, but Merrill Kelly was still selected to lead the team into the fresh season.

Ryne Nelson

A pitcher for the Diamondbacks who described the reaction to Kelly's return as a moment of shared joy, praising his knowledge and willingness to share it.

Alek Thomas

An outfielder for the Diamondbacks whose wedding in Mexico was the setting where Kelly's teammates learned of his return to the team.

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What they’re saying

“'Arizona's home, it's always gonna be home,'”

— Merrill Kelly

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

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