Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly. Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Diamondbacks fans have unusual way of helping pitcher with cramping issue

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated May 7, 2025 5:14 PM ET

Arizona Diamondbacks fans are doing everything they can to assist standout pitcher Merrill Kelly with his ongoing cramping issues.

Kelly has had a long-standing issue with his right hamstring cramping up during starts, forcing him to leave early. It has happened twice this season, most recently on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies, when he departed in the sixth inning after throwing just 60 pitches.

Kelly’s cramping is related to a hydration issue. That has led some Diamondbacks fans to start sending bottles of pickles to try to alleviate the problem.

Manager Torey Lovullo has even said the pickles are “pretty good.”

Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly, who has been plagued with hydration issues leading to leg cramps during games, has had fans sending in bottles of pickles to help. ‘I’ve had some of them,’ manager Torey Lovullo says, ‘they’re pretty good..’’
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 7, 2025

Kelly has dealt with this issue for years, so he is probably about ready to try anything. Still, if the solution to his problem was more pickles, he probably would have figured that out by now.

Kelly has developed into one of the Diamondbacks’ top starters over the last few years. His best year came in 2023, when he posted a 3.29 ERA and helped the team to an NL pennant.

At least Kelly can count on the support of his own fans. There is another NL fanbase that does not have as high an opinion of him.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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