Merrill Kelly Injury Update: Diamondbacks Face Huge Blow Ahead Of Season

Merrill Kelly’s Injury Puts a Damper on the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Season

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly has been ruled out of his scheduled Opening Day start against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to intercostal nerve irritation in his back. Merrill Kelly discusses his injury and returning to the D-backs after being traded at the deadline last year. 📺 30 Clubs, 30 Camps pic.twitter.com/Eu9uV0fAFw — MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 26, 2026 Manager Torey Lovullo announced the decision Wednesday, leaving t…

Diamondbacks Notes: Kelly, Pfaadt, Mena

The Diamondbacks rotation is an early focus in camp. Right-hander Merrill Kelly was slated to be the Opening Day starter but a back issue has scuttled those plans, even though an exact diagnosis has proved elusive. Manager Torey Lovullo tells Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic that Kelly still has enough time to be stretched out for Arizona’s second series of the season. The Snakes begin their season on March 26th with three games in Los Angel…

Merrill Kelly Injury Update: Diamondbacks Face Huge Blow Ahead Of Season

Merrill Kelly (Image Credits: Imagn) Merrill Kelly is set for his ninth season with the Arizona Diamondbacks after rejoining the team on a two-year, $40 million contract during the offseason. The 37-year-old was the top candidate to be the Opening Day starter after his excellent 2025 campaign. However, the Diamondbacks removed him from spring training practice this weekend with a back issue. Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo announced o…