Diamondbacks Must Fight Off Series Loss Behind Merrill Kelly

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in a tough position. Their starting pitching, which should be a strength, has struggled greatly to open the season. Meanwhile, superstar second baseman Ketel Marte is on the injured list, and key parts of the offense have found themselves in a slump.

Still, this can change very quickly, and with a big win against the Baltimore Orioles to even the series, they can set themselves back up for a successful homestand.

D-backs vs Orioles Preview

It's Bark at the Park night at Chase Field which means lots of furry friends are going to be in the stands for this crucial matchup. After dropping game one on Monday, the Diamondbacks desperately need to recover and even the series.

Starting Pitching Matchup

RHP Merrill Kelly

On the mound for the D-backs is veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly who is coming off one of the worst starts of his career. The 36-year-old went only 3.2 innings against the Yankees, as they attacked him early. It was an unrelenting outing as not only were his locations poor, but when he was able to throw strikes they were hit hard.

New York managed to score nine runs off Kelly in his second outing of the year, and now, against the Orioles, he will need a big rebound start to overcome it.

In Merrill Kelly's only career start against Baltimore, the right-hander only went 2.1 innings, allowing seven runs on eight hits. A similarly bad outing to his last start against the Yankees, and one that if replicated again would be devastating to the Diamondbacks.

RHP Charlie Morton

Starting for the Orioles is 41-year-old Charlie Morton, appearing in his 18th MLB season. So far in two starts in 2025, he has only gone 8.1 innings pitched, allowing nine runs. This adds up to a 9.72 ERA total.

The right-handed veteran was brought in by Baltimore to give the club innings. So far he hasn't done that, but throughout his lengthy career, he has pitched solidly against the Diamondbacks, with a 5-3 record and a 4.27 ERA.

While Morton has struggled this season he has managed to keep walks down. The D-backs are a patient club, but if they can attack early they can break into the Orioles' bullpen early. They have already seen Baltimore's high-leverage group during Monday's game and may fare better a second time around.

Lineup