Merrill Kelly Plans One More Rehab Start Before Diamondbacks Return

The Arizona Diamondbacks want pitcher Merrill Kelly to get one more rehab start before he rejoins the big-league rotation. They’re doing this to protect his health and let him build back up to a full workload.

Kelly’s dealing with intercostal nerve irritation in his back. The club wants him ready for a long, durable stretch of starts rather than rushing him back too soon.

Kelly’s rehab plan and timeline

The D-backs have set Kelly’s next outing for extended spring training on Thursday. He’s still working through his recovery, and the team wants him fully prepared before he returns to the majors.

Kelly hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since spring training because of back tightness. He just made a rehab start for Triple-A Reno, throwing five scoreless innings on 72 pitches.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Kelly needs one more controlled outing. They want him to ramp up his pitch count and make sure he’s truly ready for a major league workload.

• Next outing: extended spring training on Thursday to push his pitch count and test his stamina.
• IL status: Kelly stays on the injured list until the team feels confident about his durability.
• Pitch count: they want him to get his innings and pitches up in one more spring-like start before coming back.
• Long-term aim: Arizona hopes Kelly can give them “another 30-plus starts.”

Rotation implications for the Mets series

With Kelly still working his way back, Arizona’s rotation has held together surprisingly well. They’ve posted a 3.04 ERA through nine games, even without their expected Opening Day starter or ace Corbin Burnes.

Lovullo said they’ll keep Kelly’s rotation spot ready for him, but they aren’t risking the club’s current momentum just to rush him back.

For the upcoming Mets series, the Diamondbacks will go with a three-man plan: Zac Gallen first, then Ryne Nelson, and finally Eduardo Rodríguez. That order keeps things stable and lets Kelly continue his ramp-up in extended spring training.

Impact on the lineup and strategic planning

Arizona’s staff has leaned pretty heavily on its starters early on. With Kelly out and Burnes still not ready, people are wondering how the club will manage rest and workloads for what could be a long season.

This approach gives Lovullo some flexibility. He can maximize matchups and keep the bullpen fresh while the team grinds through a tough early schedule.

Health-first approach and long-term goals

Lovullo has made it clear: the club’s priority is Kelly’s long-term health and keeping him effective for the long haul. By stretching out the rehab window, the D-backs hope to avoid a relapse that could knock out a big chunk of the season.

They’re not rushing anything. This careful return fits the franchise’s bigger philosophy—protect the arms, stay competitive, and don’t gamble with a pitcher’s future.

Kelly’s eventual return isn’t just about getting him back on the mound. It’s about setting him up for a solid, productive stretch where he can really deliver for the club.

The organization has promised to bring him back only when he’s truly ready. Lovullo even said the rotation spot will be there waiting once that time comes.

 
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