Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly Nears 2026 Debut After Injury Concern

The veteran right-hander is set to join the team in Philadelphia before making his season debut next week against the Orioles.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:06am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher, with sharp planes of color representing the Diamondbacks and Orioles uniforms, conveying the complex dynamics of a veteran's return to the rotation.A cubist interpretation of a veteran pitcher's return to the mound, as the Diamondbacks navigate a crowded rotation.Baltimore Today

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly is nearing his 2026 season debut after starting the year on the 15-day injured list due to a nerve injury in his back. Kelly is expected to join the team for their weekend series against the Philadelphia Phillies before making his first appearance of the season next week against the Baltimore Orioles.

Why it matters

Kelly has been a reliable middle-of-the-rotation option for the Diamondbacks over the past seven seasons, and his return will bolster their pitching staff as they look to compete in the NL West. However, his activation will create a tough decision for manager Torey Lovullo, who has been utilizing a five-man rotation to start the season.

The details

Kelly, 37, is dealing with a left intercostal nerve irritation that caused tightness in the middle portion of his back. He was placed on the injured list before Opening Day, but is now set to join the team in Philadelphia this weekend ahead of a bullpen session on Sunday. Lovullo said Kelly will likely make his 2026 debut next week against the Baltimore Orioles, though the manager noted that a six-man rotation 'has not been talked about' as of now.

  • Kelly was placed on the 15-day IL before the start of the 2026 season.
  • Kelly is set to join the Diamondbacks in Philadelphia this weekend.
  • Kelly is tentatively scheduled to make his 2026 debut next week against the Baltimore Orioles.

The players

Merrill Kelly

A 37-year-old right-handed starting pitcher who has been a reliable middle-of-the-rotation option for the Arizona Diamondbacks over the past seven seasons.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who will have to make a tough decision on how to incorporate Kelly back into the team's starting rotation.

Zac Gallen

One of the Diamondbacks' starting pitchers who has been part of their five-man rotation to start the 2026 season.

Ryne Nelson

One of the Diamondbacks' starting pitchers who has been part of their five-man rotation to start the 2026 season.

Eduardo Rodriguez

One of the Diamondbacks' starting pitchers who has been part of their five-man rotation to start the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“'Merrill Kelly tentatively is scheduled to join the Diamondbacks here in Philadelphia ahead of his bullpen session on Sunday, manager Torey Lovullo said. Sounds like Kelly will debut next week in Baltimore. Lovullo said a six-man rotation 'has not been talked about.''”

— Nick Piecoro, Arizona Republic reporter

What’s next

Merrill Kelly is expected to make his 2026 season debut next week against the Baltimore Orioles after joining the Diamondbacks for their weekend series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The takeaway

Kelly's return from injury will provide a boost to the Diamondbacks' pitching staff, but it will also create a tough decision for manager Torey Lovullo on how to incorporate him back into the rotation after the team has found success with a five-man unit to start the season.