D-backs Make Tough Rotation Decision As Merrill Kelly Returns

Brandon Pfaadt sent to bullpen as veteran Merrill Kelly rejoins starting rotation

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with sharp, overlapping planes of red, teal, and purple, conceptually representing the complex decision-making process behind the Diamondbacks' rotation changes.The Diamondbacks' rotation shuffle highlights the delicate balance between veteran experience and young potential on the mound.Phoenix Today

The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a tough decision regarding their starting rotation as veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly returns from the injured list. To clear a spot, the team has opted to send Brandon Pfaadt to the bullpen, while Michael Soroka will retain his rotation spot despite some early struggles.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks' starting rotation has been a point of focus early in the season, with the team needing to balance the return of an established veteran in Kelly with the development of younger arms like Pfaadt. This decision highlights the difficult choices teams must make when managing their pitching staff and the need to find the right balance between experience and potential.

The details

With Kelly's activation from the IL, the Diamondbacks needed to clear a spot in the rotation. While Soroka had been considered the more obvious candidate to move to the bullpen due to his past experience in that role, the team has opted to send Pfaadt to the relief corps instead. Pfaadt has struggled with consistency, often allowing big innings that have inflated his ERA to 5.94 through his first three starts. Soroka, on the other hand, has a 2.87 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 15.2 innings, earning him the chance to remain in the rotation.

  • Kelly will make his season debut on Tuesday, April 15, against the Baltimore Orioles.
  • Pfaadt has been sent to the bullpen, effective immediately.
  • Rashi has been optioned to Triple-A Reno following his blowup outing against the Orioles on April 9.

The players

Merrill Kelly

A veteran right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is returning from the injured list after dealing with intercostal nerve irritation in his back.

Brandon Pfaadt

A young right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who has been sent to the bullpen after struggling with consistency in the starting rotation.

Michael Soroka

A right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who has earned the chance to remain in the starting rotation despite some early-season struggles.

Taylor Rashi

A right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who has been optioned to Triple-A Reno after a blowup outing against the Orioles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Diamondbacks will continue to monitor the performance of their starting rotation as the season progresses, with Merrill Kelly set to make his season debut on Tuesday against the Orioles.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the difficult balancing act teams must perform when managing their pitching staff, weighing the need for veteran experience against the potential of younger arms. The Diamondbacks are betting that Soroka's recent success will continue, while Pfaadt will have the opportunity to work on his consistency in a relief role.