The Arizona Diamondbacks named Merrill Kelly their Opening Day starter last weekend. However, that now appears to be on hold based on the latest news. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told reporters, including The Arizona Republic‘s Nick Piecoro, that Kelly was scratched from a scheduled live batting practice session and is dealing with mid-back tightness.
That’s concerning news for the Diamondbacks, to say the least. It also makes the decisions to go over budget to bring back Zac Gallen and add Michael Soroka look prescient in hindsight. If Kelly were to start the 2026 season on the injured list, Arizona would still be able to field a competent starting rotation.
Going back to Kelly, an injury threatens to halt the signature moment of his career. The right-hander never had an Opening Day start on his “bingo card” when he first signed with the Diamondbacks ahead of the 2019 season. Arizona is now hoping that Kelly’s back issues won’t result in a lengthy absence.
Kelly spoke to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert about the injury.
Merrill Kelly Injury Opens Door for Zac Gallen Opening Day Start
Until more is revealed about Kelly’s back tightness, it’s unclear how long his absence will be. If it necessitates a trip to the 15-day injured list, then someone else will have to start Opening Day. Fortunately for Lovullo, it’s early enough in Spring that he can alter the schedule to line up another pitcher.
The most obvious candidate would be Gallen. The right-hander has started the last three Opening Days for Arizona, so he doesn’t lack experience in that moment. Gallen said that despite waiting until after pitchers and catchers reported to sign, it won’t delay his readiness.
He threw a live batting practice on Friday, his first of the spring, with The Arizona Republic‘s Jose Romero providing video.
Gallen told Piecoro after that live BP session that he liked how the ball was coming out of his hand. That’s a good sign for the Diamondbacks, in case they need to change their Opening Day plans. With that game being 33 days away, there’s enough flexibility for Lovullo to line up Gallen for March 26.
If Gallen goes on Opening Day, it will be the second time he opens the season in Dodger Stadium. His first career Opening Day start came in that venue three seasons ago.
Diamondbacks Rotation Without Merrill Kelly
The decision to re-sign Gallen helps the Diamondbacks weather a potential Kelly injury. Arizona entered spring with six pitchers as rotation options.
Soroka is the natural candidate to take over should Kelly require a trip to the 15-day injured list. His contract incentives were designed in a way to reward the right-hander for availability instead of role. He would earn one point per relief appearance or two per start, with a payout for every 10 points he earns.
Beyond the Diamondbacks’ top six starters, there’s an experience gap that could undermine their season. Cristian Mena is the only other pitcher on the 40-man roster with any sort of MLB track record. But he’s dealt with season-ending injuries in his two seasons in Arizona.
Other options include Kohl Drake, Mitch Bratt, and Dylan Ray. Bratt and Drake will start this weekend against the Rockies and Angels respectively.
The Diamondbacks’ rotation depth was built to withstand one injury before the season started. But if they begin to pile up, as they have in the last two springs, that’s where they start to enter dangerous territory.
Diamondbacks Get Concerning News on Opening Day Starter