Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly was seen on the agility field throwing catch Thursday in Scottsdale, signaling cautious optimism that he could avoid the injured list if his throwing progression begins soon, according to manager Torey Lovullo. Kelly’s recovery from intercostal nerve irritation in his back, which sidelined him from his Opening Day start, remains uncertain until he becomes symptom-free.
The team has not set a firm date for Kelly to resume his throwing routine, as his ability to progress depends on how he feels in the coming days. Kelly’s absence forces the Diamondbacks to find a new starter for Opening Day against the Dodgers, but there is hope he can return later in the rotation.
Manager Comments on Kelly’s Potential Return Timeline
Coach Lovullo spoke extensively about Kelly’s condition and prospects for return:
“We can build it backwards, so we feel like, given the progress he’s made and the evaluation that was done by a lot of really good people, that if we start the progression sooner than later, he might be on the back end of our rotation,”
Lovullo explained.
“So, that’s what we’re gonna hold out hope for, but anything’s possible.”
If Kelly does start the season on the injured list, it would be the 15-day IL, sidelining him for the first series at Dodger Stadium and the initial home games. He could potentially return during Arizona’s early nine-game road trip facing the Mets, Phillies, and Orioles.
Kelly shared that most of his throwing felt normal during catch efforts, though he continues to experience occasional tightness. He had planned to make his first appearance on Friday before the setback.
Diamondbacks Maintain Pitching Depth as Precaution
The Diamondbacks have multiple options in their pitching staff to cover Kelly’s possible absence. Zac Gallen recently made his spring training debut, while Ryne Nelson is scheduled to pitch on Friday. The rotation also includes Eduardo Rodriguez, Michael Soroka, and promising rookie Brandon Pfaadt.
Brandon Pfaadt’s Progress Managed Carefully
Pfaadt has yet to make his Cactus League debut but participated in live batting practice Thursday. Manager Lovullo described his preparation as “slow-played” following a side issue in the offseason, with a focus on allowing full recovery before regular-season competition.
“We’re trying to be mindful of what he’s gone through. He’s gonna be available and built up just fine,”
Lovullo said.
“Everything’s right exactly where we want it to be. I think we put him on pause for about a week to let him rest. Does that have an impact on anything? I don’t think so.”
Pfaadt has been a durable arm for Arizona, throwing 358.1 innings over the last two seasons, which ranks 10th among MLB pitchers during that stretch.
Veterans Soroka, Gallen, and Rodriguez have already pitched in Cactus League contests, ensuring depth while the staff manages health cautiously.
Cristian Mena’s Injury Raises Concern for Pitching Depth
In a major setback, young pitcher Cristian Mena has re-aggravated a shoulder strain (teres major) suffered last season, ruling him out for the foreseeable future. The injury originally occurred during a difficult game in Cincinnati when catcher Gabriel Moreno broke his wrist on a wild pitch.
After being healthy entering camp, Mena underwent imaging this week, with surgery currently not considered necessary. Instead, the team has chosen to rest him completely by withdrawing him from throwing programs and drills.
“We’ve been talking to him about his health and his bullpens, we’ve been slow-playing that,”
Lovullo said.
“We are going to pull him totally back on all drills, all throwing programs and let him rest.”
The 23-year-old was expected to be a key starting pitcher for Triple-A Reno and had four Major League appearances. His absence leaves the Diamondbacks relying on other young starters like Kohl Drake, Dylan Ray, and Mitch Bratt, all of whom are on the 40-man roster but less experienced.
Implications for Arizona’s Season and Pitching Strategy
The injuries to Kelly and Mena complicate the Diamondbacks’ plans for their 2024 rotation, forcing management to balance caution with competitiveness. Kelly’s ability to return without hitting the injured list remains a key factor for the team’s pitching outlook, and careful monitoring will continue this week. Meanwhile, the slow development of promising arms like Pfaadt aims to maintain long-term health.
Mena’s setback underscores the depth challenges facing Arizona, as the team must depend on both veterans and emerging pitchers to adapt throughout the season. How the club navigates these pitching hurdles will greatly influence their performance in the National League this year.
Merrill Kelly says his availability for Opening Day is probably off the table.
"I just think I've pushed things back too far." pic.twitter.com/fa1N8A9Gbg
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 26, 2026
