Bold opening statement: The Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitching plans hinge on an uncertain health trail, and Merrill Kelly’s status could reshape their entire Opening Day outlook.
But here’s where it gets controversial: even with some good news on back tests, the team may have to start the season without their steadiest starter, forcing a near-term reshuffle that could ripple through the rotation and morale.
Rewritten article:
Merrill Kelly, the right-handed starter for the Diamondbacks, has been slowed by back discomfort in recent days. He has undergone several rounds of testing to identify the root cause. While the exact issue remains undetermined, Kelly told the team’s beat writer that he does not expect to be ready to pitch on Opening Day. Tests conducted so far have not revealed any major back problems, but doctors are continuing to investigate what’s limiting him. After today’s throwing session, Kelly reported still feeling pain while he was playing catch.
If the Diamondbacks decide Kelly just needs a brief postponement or one skipped start, he could avoid a 15-day injured list stint. However, today’s comments strongly suggest an IL option remains on the table. Should he begin the season on the injured list, Arizona would likely roll out a rotation featuring Zac Gallen, Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodríguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Michael Soroka. Gallen would presumably be the Opening Day favorite, even after a down season, though that determination will play out through spring training.
Kelly, now 37, spent six and a half seasons in Arizona’s rotation from 2019–2025 before being traded to the Rangers at last summer’s deadline. Reflecting on his time with the D-backs after the trade, Kelly said he would consider returning in free agency, given his long-standing ties to Phoenix and his established roots in the area. His two months with Texas didn’t meet all expectations, but he finished the season strong with a 3.52 ERA over 184 innings, striking out about 22.3% of opponents while walking 6.4%.
In the offseason, Arizona aimed to trim payroll yet managed to reach an agreement with Kelly on a two-year, $40 million deal that convinced him to return to the desert. The D-backs’ rotation will look similar to last year’s but with a valuable one-year addition in Soroka, who is known for his talent despite a history of injuries. The onus will be on Pfaadt, Rodríguez, and especially Gallen—who also re-signed as a free agent—to rebound after rough performances.
Logistically, an injury during spring camp is far from ideal for the team’s most dependable starter, even if the issue proves minor. Nevertheless, the Diamondbacks should benefit from greater rotation depth this season. Part of that depth stems from the trade that sent Kelly away: the Rangers received pitching prospects Kohl Drake, Mitch Bratt, and David Hagaman in return, with Drake and Bratt now on Arizona’s 40-man roster and potentially debutting at the big-league level this season as they vie for long-term rotation spots.
Beyond those arms, the camp features depth options such as prospects Yilber Díaz and Cristian Mena, both of whom have had brief MLB stints but posted less-than-stellar showings in 2025. Right-hander Dylan Ray was added to the 40-man roster this offseason, while veterans Joe Ross and Thomas Hatch are in camp as non-roster invitees.
Would you like this rewritten in a more concise 1,000-word version or expanded with even more strategic insights into how the rotation could adapt if Kelly remains out longer? Also, do you want the tone adjusted to be more newswire-like or more opinion-driven?
