Arizona Diamondbacks’ Opening Day starter Merrill Kelly will have an MRI after experiencing mid-back tightness during a Saturday bullpen session at Salt River Fields. The veteran pitcher decided to stop throwing after noticing increasing discomfort during his live batting practice.
Details of Kelly’s Symptoms and Early Signs
Kelly explained that the tightness began after his second bullpen outing in spring training, intensifying during the recent session. He shared,
“We’ve been treating something, I guess in the mid-back you’d call it. Different days feel differently. I went to throw in the bullpen today, got to around pitch 10, started feeling little stuff and then like the last two or three, the sensation was enough that I felt it was time to shut it down.”
Manager Torey Lovullo Addresses Concerns and Kelly’s Decision
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the seriousness of Kelly’s early exit from the mound. He said,
“Anytime somebody comes off the mound like that, the concern is legitimate. I appreciate that he didn’t try to go full throttle and get to that next level if there is anything wrong.”
Implications for Kelly and the Diamondbacks’ Opening Day Plans
Though Kelly has not previously experienced this kind of mid-back sensation, the team is pursuing the MRI to better understand the issue. How quickly Kelly recovers will influence Arizona’s pitching strategy leading up to the start of the season. With Kelly scheduled to start Opening Day, the outcome of this evaluation holds considerable importance for the Diamondbacks’ rotation stability and preparedness.
