Injured D-backs Players Eyeing Returns in Coming Months

Merrill Kelly, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., A.J. Puk, and Adrian Del Castillo all working their way back from injuries

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:18pm

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Several key Arizona Diamondbacks players, including starting pitcher Merrill Kelly, outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., reliever A.J. Puk, and catcher Adrian Del Castillo, are making progress in their recoveries from various injuries and could return to the major league roster in the next few months.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season, and getting these injured players back will be crucial to their chances of competing in the NL West. Their returns could provide a significant boost to the team's pitching rotation, lineup, and bullpen.

The details

Merrill Kelly is scheduled to make a rehab start for Triple-A Reno on Friday and could potentially rejoin the Diamondbacks' rotation during their series against the Mets in early April. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is ahead of schedule in his recovery from ACL surgery and could return in mid-to-late April. A.J. Puk, who is coming back from his second Tommy John surgery, is aiming for an early June return to help the bullpen. Adrian Del Castillo, who missed most of spring training with a calf strain, is close to rejoining the team and could fill the open roster spot left by Pavin Smith's injury.

  • Kelly will make a rehab start for Triple-A Reno on Friday, April 7.
  • Kelly could potentially return to the Diamondbacks' rotation during their series against the Mets on April 7-9.
  • Gurriel is expected to play in some Arizona Complex League games in April before potentially returning to the majors in late April.
  • Puk could return to the Diamondbacks' bullpen in early June.
  • Del Castillo was set to catch for Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, April 1.

The players

Merrill Kelly

A starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is recovering from an injury and could rejoin the rotation in early April.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

An outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is recovering from ACL surgery and could return to the lineup in late April.

A.J. Puk

A relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery and could return to the bullpen in early June.

Adrian Del Castillo

A catcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is recovering from a calf strain and could fill the open roster spot left by Pavin Smith's injury.

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What they’re saying

“All pitches looked very good. He's going to throw in Albuquerque, and we're just going to gauge it from there. And we want to see him go out there and work -- and work successfully and be healthy. Get his pitch count to a certain point, and then we'll read and react from there.”

— Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks Manager

“How he responds to the next set of challenges will be important for him. But he looked very good and feels great.”

— Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks Manager

What’s next

The Diamondbacks will closely monitor the progress of these injured players as they continue their rehab assignments and work towards returning to the major league roster in the coming months.

The takeaway

The return of these key players could provide a significant boost to the Diamondbacks' chances of bouncing back from a disappointing 2025 season and competing in the NL West. Their recoveries will be crucial to the team's success in the first half of the 2026 campaign.