Diamondbacks Unveil Starting Rotation After Zac Gallen

Merrill Kelly to start season on injured list as Arizona sets rotation for 2026 campaign

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:06pm

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have announced their starting rotation for the 2026 MLB season, with Zac Gallen getting the Opening Day nod against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The rotation will feature Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Michael Soroka, and Brandon Pfaadt, with Merrill Kelly starting the year on the 15-day injured list.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks are looking to improve on a lackluster 2025 season on the mound, and the composition of their starting rotation will be crucial to their success. The team is counting on internal improvements from players like Gallen, Rodriguez, and Pfaadt, while also incorporating new additions like Soroka.

The details

Manager Torey Lovullo revealed the Diamondbacks' starting rotation, which will be Gallen, Nelson, Rodriguez, Soroka, and Pfaadt to start the season. Merrill Kelly will open the year on the injured list, with the team able to backdate his IL designation by three days. When Kelly returns, the team will determine how to handle the rotation. Soroka, who signed with the D-backs this offseason, will get the nod in the home opener against the Detroit Tigers, while Pfaadt will stay back in Arizona to make a backfields start in preparation for the second game against the Tigers.

  • The Diamondbacks will face the Dodgers on Opening Day, Thursday, March 27, 2026.
  • Merrill Kelly will start the year on the 15-day injured list, with the team able to backdate the designation by three days.
  • Michael Soroka will make his final spring start on Tuesday, March 25, 2026, against the Cleveland Guardians.
  • Brandon Pfaadt will make a backfields start in preparation for the second game against the Tigers on March 30, 2026.
  • Eduardo Rodriguez will throw a backfields start on Monday, March 24, 2026.

The players

Zac Gallen

The Diamondbacks' ace, who will get the Opening Day start against the Dodgers.

Ryne Nelson

A promising young pitcher who had a strong 2025 season and will be part of the 2026 rotation.

Eduardo Rodriguez

A veteran pitcher who is coming off a strong performance in the World Baseball Classic, where he tossed 4.1 shutout innings in the title game against the U.S.

Michael Soroka

A new addition to the Diamondbacks' rotation, who will make his home debut against the Tigers.

Brandon Pfaadt

A young pitcher who is looking to build on some strong outings in 2025, despite struggling with consistency.

Merrill Kelly

A consistent presence in the Diamondbacks' rotation who will start the year on the injured list.

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What they’re saying

“It's gonna be Gallen, Nelson, E-Rod, Soroka and Pfaadt. … Merrill will start on the IL.”

— Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks Manager

“It's clear that Merrill Kelly just doesn't have enough time to build up and start the season on the active roster. Whatever his buildup is, it will continue. I don't know what the timeline is on that.”

— Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks Manager

“We feel really good about the five guys that we have there. We know there's a sixth with Merrill. Thank goodness we have that depth. … I love the experience that group has. They're going to go out there and they're going to be ready to compete.”

— Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks Manager

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' starting rotation for the 2026 season features a mix of established veterans and promising young arms, as the team looks to improve on a disappointing 2025 campaign. The depth and experience of this group will be crucial to the team's success, as they aim to compete in the NL West.