Diamondbacks Get Merrill Kelly Update After Dodgers Game 

Kelly left the game after inducing a bases-loaded fielder's choice from Freddie Freeman with two outs in the sixth inning. The 37-year-old walked off under his own power, and the Diamondbacks later confirmed the issue was a cramp rather than a structural injury.

The encouraging update came before Arizona completed a 4-3 walk-off victory over Los Angeles, snapping the Dodgers' momentum and keeping pressure on the National League West leaders.

Before exiting, Kelly turned in one of his strongest outings of the season. He carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and finished with 5.2 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits while walking four and striking out four on 80 pitches.

Kelly entered Friday with an 8-9 record, a 4.88 ERA, a 1.47 WHIP and 80 strikeouts across 120 innings in 21 starts. The veteran has battled injuries throughout 2026 after beginning the season on the injured list with left intercostal nerve irritation, but he has remained a key part of Arizona's rotation since returning.

The victory improved the Diamondbacks to 62-55, trimming the gap behind the Dodgers in the National League West to 7.5 games. While Arizona will continue monitoring Kelly's condition over the coming days, the early diagnosis gives the club optimism that its veteran starter could avoid another trip to the injured list.