Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly. Rob Schumacher/The Republic/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Diamondbacks award high honor to RHP after trading him last season

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Feb 15, 2026 9:26 AM ET

Looking to rebound after a disappointing 80-82 finish in 2025, the Arizona Diamondbacks have made an important decision ahead of Opening Day.

Arizona will hand the ball to a veteran, granted a first-time Opening Day starter, when its 2026 season gets underway in March.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo named the right-handed Merrill Kelly his team's Opening Day starting pitcher on Saturday. The move awards Kelly his first Opening Day start at the age of 37.

Merrill Kelly decided to return to Arizona after being traded by the franchise

Making his 2026 Opening Day start ironic, Kelly was traded out of Arizona at the deadline last season. He was sent to the Texas Rangers for three minor league prospects on July 31.

A product of Arizona State, Kelly then decided to return to his old team by signing a two-year, $40 million deal this offseason.

First Opening Day start for the hometown kid ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gQODJcBxU0
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) February 14, 2026

After posting a 9-6 record and a 3.22 ERA in 22 starts for the Diamondbacks, Kelly struggled with the Rangers — he was 3-3 with a 4.23 ERA in 10 appearances.

But to Kelly's credit, 2025 was one of the best seasons of his seven-year career. Overall, he was 12-9 with a 3.52 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 184.0 innings pitched.

Naming Merrill Kelly was an easy decision for Torey Lovullo

Lovullo explained why he wasted no time in announcing Kelly.

"It was the right thing to do he was an easy candidate, he has been a very dedicated Arizona Diamondback besides his time in Texas, and we know why that happened," said Lovullo to reporters.

"He is hard working, very successful and he has been setting the tone for us, and I feel like he deserves this opportunity."

The Diamondbacks will open the season in Los Angeles on March 26 against the back-to-back defending World Series champion Dodgers. First pitch from Dodger Stadium is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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