Diamondbacks to Activate Merrill Kelly, Shuffle Pitching Roster

Arizona makes moves to bolster starting rotation and bullpen ahead of Tuesday's game against Orioles.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:09pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's delivery broken down into fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in shades of blue, green, and orange.The Diamondbacks' roster shuffle aims to reconstruct their pitching staff into a more cohesive and effective unit.Reno Today

The Arizona Diamondbacks are set to activate veteran pitcher Merrill Kelly from the injury list on Tuesday, while also sending Brandon Pfaadt to the bullpen and Taylor Rashi down to their Triple-A affiliate, the Reno Aces. These roster moves come as the Diamondbacks look to improve their 9-8 start to the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks have struggled with their pitching staff early in the season, and these moves are aimed at shoring up both the starting rotation and bullpen as the team looks to climb the standings in the NL West. Kelly's return is particularly significant, as he was an important part of the Diamondbacks' rotation before being traded away last season.

The details

The Diamondbacks will activate 37-year-old Merrill Kelly, who has been out with an intercostal nerve irritation since spring training. Kelly had a solid 2025 season with Arizona, posting a 9-6 record, 3.22 ERA, and 3.58 FIP before being traded to the Texas Rangers. Brandon Pfaadt, who has struggled with a 5.94 ERA in his three starts this season, will be moved to the bullpen. Taylor Rashi, who has a 9.82 ERA in three appearances, will be sent down to the Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate in Reno.

  • Merrill Kelly will be activated on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • Brandon Pfaadt's move to the bullpen will happen on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • Taylor Rashi will be sent down to the Reno Aces on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Merrill Kelly

A 37-year-old starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who was previously traded away to the Texas Rangers but is now returning to the team's rotation after recovering from an intercostal nerve injury.

Brandon Pfaadt

A Diamondbacks pitcher who will be moved to the bullpen after struggling with a 5.94 ERA in his three starts this season.

Taylor Rashi

A Diamondbacks relief pitcher who will be sent down to the team's Triple-A affiliate in Reno after posting a 9.82 ERA in three appearances this season.

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What they’re saying

“Kelly activated. Rashi to Reno. Pfaadt to bullpen.”

— Jody Jackson, Reporter

What’s next

The Diamondbacks will take on the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. EST. Merrill Kelly is expected to make his first start since returning from injury.

The takeaway

These roster moves by the Diamondbacks demonstrate their commitment to improving their pitching staff and making a push up the standings in the NL West. The return of veteran Merrill Kelly is a significant boost, while the demotion of struggling pitchers Pfaadt and Rashi could provide them opportunities to work on their issues in the minors.