Diamondbacks Pitchers Dealing With Injuries: Kelly, Pfaadt, and Mena

Arizona's pitching staff faces challenges as the season approaches

Feb. 26, 2026 at 8:57pm

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are dealing with injuries to several key pitchers as the 2026 MLB season approaches. Merrill Kelly is working to avoid the injured list due to intercostal nerve irritation, while Brandon Pfaadt is being "slow-played" after dealing with a side issue in the offseason. Additionally, Cristian Mena has re-aggravated a shoulder injury and has been shut down from all baseball activities.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks' pitching depth will be tested early on, as they look to compete in the NL West. Kelly's status is particularly crucial, as he was expected to be the team's Opening Day starter. Pfaadt and Mena also provided important rotation and depth options, so their injuries could force the team to rely more heavily on other young arms.

The details

Merrill Kelly was ruled out of his Opening Day start due to intercostal nerve irritation in his back. The team is hopeful that if Kelly can progress in his throwing program "sooner than later," he may avoid the injured list, but there is no set date for him to resume his progression. Brandon Pfaadt has yet to make a Cactus League appearance this spring due to a "side" issue he dealt with in the offseason. The team is "slow-playing" Pfaadt to be cautious, but Lovullo expects him to be ready for the regular season. Cristian Mena, who suffered a shoulder injury in a "dark day" in Cincinnati last year, has re-aggravated the injury and has been shut down from all baseball activities, with surgery not currently on the table.

  • Kelly's first game was supposed to be on Friday.
  • If Kelly starts on the IL, he'd be eligible to return during Arizona's nine-game road trip (New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles).

The players

Merrill Kelly

An Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher who is dealing with intercostal nerve irritation in his back and may have to start the season on the injured list.

Brandon Pfaadt

A Diamondbacks pitching prospect who is being "slow-played" this spring after dealing with a "side" issue in the offseason, but is expected to be ready for the regular season.

Cristian Mena

A 23-year-old Diamondbacks pitcher who has re-aggravated a shoulder injury he suffered in a "dark day" in Cincinnati last year, and has been shut down from all baseball activities.

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What they’re saying

“We can build it backwards, so we feel like, given the progress he's made and the evaluation that was done by a lot of really good people, that if we start the progression sooner than later, he might be on the back end of our rotation.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager, Arizona Diamondbacks

“We're trying to be mindful of what he's gone through. He's gonna be available and built up just fine. Everything's right exactly where we want it to be.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager, Arizona Diamondbacks

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

The Diamondbacks' pitching depth will be tested early on, as they navigate injuries to key members of their rotation. The team's ability to manage these setbacks and get their top arms healthy will be crucial to their success in the competitive NL West.