Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly Unlikely to Start Season on Time

Pitcher dealing with back issue, may miss first few games

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:04am

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Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly made his 2026 spring training debut on Friday, but said afterward that he "won't be ready to break camp" due to a back issue that has delayed his start to the season. Kelly is not optimistic about being ready for the team's Opening Day game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, which would be the first Opening Day start of his career.

Why it matters

Kelly's injury is a setback for the Diamondbacks, who were counting on him to be a key part of their starting rotation this season. His absence could put additional strain on the team's bullpen early in the year as the other starters work to build up their innings.

The details

Kelly stepped away from his throwing program early in spring training due to back discomfort and was diagnosed with intercostal nerve irritation. He received an injection and has progressed, but the setback took him out of the running to make the Opening Day start. Kelly delivered 36 pitches through 1.2 innings in his spring debut, and said he did not think about his back while pitching, but has some pitches to clean up. If the Diamondbacks place Kelly on the 15-day injured list, they can backdate the designation by three days, allowing him to potentially return for the start of their road trip at the New York Mets on April 7.

  • Kelly made his 2026 spring training debut on Friday, March 14.
  • Kelly said he "won't be ready to break camp" due to the back issue.

The players

Merrill Kelly

A starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is dealing with a back injury that will likely delay the start of his 2026 season.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Zac Gallen

A starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who will start on Opening Day in place of the injured Merrill Kelly.

Michael Soroka

A veteran starting pitcher who the Diamondbacks signed to provide additional depth to their rotation.

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What they’re saying

“Any time I think about Opening Day with the boys in L.A., the idea of maybe missing that is obviously not fun. Opening Day is special, especially in L.A. I think that'll be the first one I've missed since my debut, if that's the case.”

— Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks Pitcher (arizonasports.com)

“Rather than force it, I would say if we can't get to the point where he's built up — and it's looking like that might be the case — let's just wait a turn and not put a lot of strain or pressure on the bullpen.”

— Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks Manager (arizonasports.com)

What’s next

If the Diamondbacks place Kelly on the 15-day injured list, he could potentially return for the start of their road trip at the New York Mets on April 7.

The takeaway

Kelly's injury is a setback for the Diamondbacks, who will have to adjust their rotation and potentially overwork their bullpen early in the season as Kelly works to recover and get back on the mound.