Merrill Kelly
Breakdown
Performance
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April 5, 2026
Needs another rehab start
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo announced Sunday that Kelly (back) will make one more rehab start before joining the big-league rotation, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis
The veteran right-hander will be eligible to be reinstated from the injured list Wednesday, but he'll instead make a second rehab start before being cleared for his season debut with Arizona. Kelly threw 72 pitches across five scoreless frames during his first rehab outing and should continue building up his workload in his next start. He currently lines up to make his 2026 debut during the Diamondbacks' upcoming series in Baltimore, which runs April 13-15.
April 5, 2026
Decision coming Sunday
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Saturday that a decision whether to activate Kelly (back) when eligible will be announced Sunday, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports. The right-hander can be activated April 8.
Analysis
Kelly is fresh off a 72-pitch outing at Triple-Reno on Friday and responded well the following day. His activation would force an adjustment to the existing five-man rotation. The Diamondbacks could move a current starter with relief experience to the bullpen -- Michael Soroka or Ryne Nelson -- or option Brandon Pfaadt to the minors.
April 4, 2026
Dazzles at Reno
Kelly allowed two hits and two walks while striking out two over five scoreless innings for Triple-A Reno on Friday.
Analysis
Kelly made his first -- and perhaps only -- rehab start Friday and threw 72 pitches (40 strikes). That puts him in range to be activated next week. If Arizona chooses to bring him back, Kelly's five-day schedule lines him to pitch next Wednesday against the Yankees in New York.
April 1, 2026
Slated for rehab start
Kelly (back) is scheduled to start for Triple-A Reno on Friday, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.
Analysis
The plan for Kelly, fresh off a 35-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, is to get as close to or into the 70s with his pitch count Friday. This could be the only rehab start he makes before rejoining the Diamondbacks. Kelly was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to March 24, which means he could be activated as early as next Wednesday, April 8.
