Merrill Kelly, a pitcher’s journey deeply connected to Arizona, from his upbringing to college days, now sees him potentially ending his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 37-year-old right-handed starter signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Diamondbacks in December following a stint with the Texas Rangers late in the 2025 season. If Arizona hopes to contend for a playoff spot in 2026, Kelly is expected to play a pivotal role as a leading member of the rotation.
Current Injury Status and Team Precautions
As spring training approaches, Kelly is managing some left mid-back tightness, according to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo has confirmed that Kelly will receive further imaging to evaluate the issue, although he emphasized that the team’s level of concern remains low. Given Kelly’s age, Arizona plans to approach his health cautiously to ensure he remains effective throughout the season.
Importance in the Rotation Amidst Team Challenges
The Diamondbacks are counting on Kelly to step up, especially since fellow starter Corbin Burnes is expected to be sidelined for the opening months due to Tommy John surgery recovery. Kelly appears motivated to make the most of his remaining years in Major League Baseball, determined to maintain his performance and contribute significantly to his team’s success.
Merrill Kelly’s Unique Path to MLB Success
Kelly’s journey to the majors was unconventional. After years in the minor leagues and a four-year tenure in the Korea Baseball Organization, he finally debuted in MLB with the Diamondbacks in 2019. His perseverance and development paid off late, and now, entering his eighth MLB season, Kelly still holds considerable value as a reliable starter. Arizona’s decision to re-sign him reflects confidence in his ability to deliver solid outings.
Career Performance and Outlook for 2026
To date, Kelly has maintained a 3.77 earned run average over 1,008 1/3 innings pitched. As he awaits more detailed assessments of his back condition, he is preparing to resume training and hopes to remain a key contributor for Arizona’s playoff ambitions in 2026.
“Kelly will undergo imaging, but concern is at a minimum.” ?Torey Lovullo, Arizona Diamondbacks Manager
“Merrill Kelly waited for what probably felt like an eternity to find success on a big-league mound, so he will want to stretch this dream out for as long as possible.” ?Steve Gilbert, MLB.com Reporter
. @Dbacks Merrill Kelly did not throw a scheduled live BP session today due to left mid-back tightness. Will have some imaging done but manager Torey Lovullo said right now the concern level is “minimum.”
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) February 21, 2026
