D-backs Await Results of Merrill Kelly's Back Injury MRI

Arizona has starting pitching depth, but Kelly's status could impact their rotation plans.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 12:18am

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are awaiting the results of an MRI on starting pitcher Merrill Kelly's back after he experienced discomfort during a live batting practice session. Kelly was recently re-signed to a two-year, $40 million contract and was expected to be the team's Opening Day starter. While the team remains hopeful it's not a serious issue, they do have starting pitching depth with the recent re-signing of Zac Gallen and other options like Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Mike Soroka.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks are hoping to build on a promising 2025 season and Kelly's health is crucial to their rotation plans. Any extended absence could force them to shuffle their starting staff, but the team believes they have enough depth to withstand an injury to Kelly if needed.

The details

Kelly was scratched from a live batting practice session on Saturday after feeling discomfort in his left-mid back area. He underwent an MRI on Sunday, but the results were not available by the end of the team's game against the Angels. The Diamondbacks re-signed Kelly in December to a two-year, $40 million deal after he was traded to the Rangers at last season's deadline. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo had previously named Kelly the team's Opening Day starter.

  • Kelly underwent an MRI on Sunday, February 26, 2026.
  • The Diamondbacks expect to receive the results of Kelly's MRI on Monday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Merrill Kelly

A right-handed starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who was recently re-signed to a two-year, $40 million contract.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Zac Gallen

A starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who was recently re-signed by the team.

Mike Hazen

The general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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What they’re saying

“I don't have a concern level [yet]. Because we don't know, at the end of the day, what it is. I mean, the last week and a half, I've been throwing, been doing everything normal, and it didn't kind of rear its head until today. So I'm going to take that as a good thing, the fact that I've felt it for that long but I've still been able to do everything.”

— Merrill Kelly

“One of the huge benefits of doing this, not only having a talent the caliber of Zac, but also it builds out another really good starting pitcher in our rotation. I don't know how many starting pitchers we used last year. I'm assuming we're gonna use the same amount of starting pitchers this year.”

— Mike Hazen, General Manager

What’s next

The Diamondbacks expect to receive the results of Merrill Kelly's MRI on Monday, February 27, 2026, which will provide more clarity on the severity of his back injury and whether he will be ready for the start of the season.

The takeaway

The Diamondbacks have built up solid starting pitching depth, but an injury to Merrill Kelly could still be a significant blow to their rotation plans. The team's ability to withstand Kelly's potential absence will be tested, but their recent moves suggest they are prepared to handle such a scenario.