Merrill Kelly to make 1 more rehab start before return

Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly will make one more rehab start before rejoining the rotation.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:51pm

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Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly will make one more rehab start in extended spring training on Thursday before returning to the major league rotation. Manager Torey Lovullo said the team wants to ensure Kelly is fully recovered from intercostal nerve irritation in his back and ready to make 30-plus starts this season.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks' starting rotation has been a strength of the team so far this season, even without Kelly or ace Corbin Burnes. The team wants to make sure Kelly is fully healthy before bringing him back to the major league roster.

The details

Kelly made a rehab start on Friday for Triple-A Reno, throwing five shutout innings with 72 pitches. The Diamondbacks would like to see him continue to increase his pitch count for another outing before activating him. Kelly was originally picked to start on Opening Day before the back tightness caused him to miss time in spring training.

  • Kelly will make his next rehab start on Thursday in extended spring training.
  • Kelly is eligible to come off the injured list in time to start Wednesday's game against the New York Mets, but the team now expects him to return during the Baltimore Orioles series to end Arizona's road trip.

The players

Merrill Kelly

A veteran right-handed starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who was picked to start on Opening Day before missing time with back tightness.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks who announced the team's plan for Kelly's return from the injured list.

Zac Gallen

A starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who will start the series opener against the New York Mets.

Ryne Nelson

A starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who will start against the New York Mets.

Eduardo Rodriguez

A starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who will start against the New York Mets.

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What they’re saying

“The reason is we have all felt that this is the best thing for Merrill and his long-term health. End of story. That's it. He's ready. He's sharp. He wants to pitch. He wants to go out and compete. However, we feel like coming back from an injury, this is the best thing for him. We're going to make sure that when he gets back here and arrives back into this mix, that he's here for another 30-plus starts. That's it.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager, Arizona Diamondbacks

What’s next

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The takeaway

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