Merrill Kelly Injury Update is Crucial for Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly was initially expected to start Opening Day in 2026, but a back injury is going to keep that from coming to fruition. It remains to be seen if Kelly will be placed on the injured list, but he is not expected to pitch on Opening Day. However, the pitcher is reportedly trending in the right direction.

"All went well with Dbacks Merrill Kelly’s live BP session. Provided he continues to feel good, he thinks he will throw a bullpen and then get into a Cactus League game. All subject to change but trending positively," Steve Gilbert wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Pitching in a Cactus League game would serve as a rehab start in a sense. He would likely have a better opportunity of avoiding the injured list as a result. Of course, beginning the season on the IL would not be the end of the world. Kelly would have more time to recover from the injury as a result.

Still, Kelly would surely prefer to avoid the IL, even if he does not start on Opening Day.

Diamondbacks Need Merrill Kelly to Pitch Well in 2026

Kelly spent 2019-2024 with the Diamondbacks. He began 2025 with Arizona before ending up with the Texas Rangers later in the season. Kelly returned to the D'Backs this past offseason, however.

Kelly made a total of 32 starts between his time in Arizona and Texas last year. He ultimately turned in a 3.52 ERA across 184 innings of work. Kelly was much better in Arizona, though, pitching to a 3.22 ERA as compared to a 4.23 ERA in Texas.

He has been a reliable starter for most of his big league career. Kelly has recorded a 3.77 career ERA heading into the '26 campaign. He has not always been a star, but Kelly is a starter that a ball club can rely upon.

If the Diamondbacks are going to compete for a postseason spot, they will need Kelly to pitch well and stay healthy.

Arizona re-signed Zac Gallen, but he is coming off of a disappointing 2025 season. It remains to be seen how well will perform in 2026. Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaatd and Michael Soroka are among the other starters. Arizona's starting rotation has undeniable uncertainty, so a strong season from Merrill Kelly will be of the utmost importance for the Diamondbacks in 2026.