Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll set for spring training debut

Outfielder Carroll and pitcher Merrill Kelly to make 2026 spring debuts this week

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Arizona Diamondbacks will have two key players making their 2026 spring training game debuts this week. Outfielder Corbin Carroll, who was hit on the right hand with a pitch during batting practice a month ago, will be the designated hitter in a major league spring training game on Wednesday, March 11. Right-hander Merrill Kelly will also pitch an inning on Friday night, March 13, making his 2026 spring training debut.

Why it matters

Carroll's return to game action is a positive sign for the Diamondbacks, as he was expected to miss all or most of spring training after the hand injury. Kelly's debut is also important as the team looks to build up its starting pitching rotation for the upcoming season.

The details

Carroll continues to get at-bats in minor league games, including seven on Monday, March 9. He was set for more on Tuesday. Carroll was leading off every inning in a minor league game on March 9, with the team able to control his at-bats in a manner not available to coaches in major league games. It's not clear how often Carroll will play after March 11, as manager Torey Lovullo wants to see how he comes out of his spring training debut. Lovullo said Carroll feels no more pain and there is some form of hand protection inside the batting gloves he uses.

  • On March 9, Carroll got 7 at-bats in a minor league game.
  • On March 11, Carroll will make his 2026 spring training debut as the designated hitter.
  • On March 13, Kelly will make his 2026 spring training debut, pitching an inning for the Diamondbacks.

The players

Corbin Carroll

An outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks who was hit on the right hand with a pitch during batting practice a month ago.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Merrill Kelly

A right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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What they’re saying

“Let's just get that far, and then we'll figure it out from there. There's a high pain threshold, we know that.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager (azcentral.com)

“All systems go with him. We'll just continue to build up the starting pitchers.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager (azcentral.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Carroll's return to game action is a positive sign for the Diamondbacks, as they look to build up their roster for the upcoming season. The team is also focused on getting its starting pitching rotation ready, with Kelly set to make his spring debut.