D-backs’ Merrill Kelly and Corbin Carroll Injury Updates, Spring Outlook

The Diamondbacks are taking things slow as Opening Day gets closer. They’re keeping a close eye on two key guys—Corbin Carroll and Merrill Kelly—since both are dealing with injuries.

Carroll just had hamate bone surgery on his right hand. Meanwhile, Kelly’s got some back soreness and a bit of nerve irritation. The team hopes both can help out early in the season, but honestly, it all depends on how they handle spring training and what the medical staff thinks.

Corbin Carroll’s Road to Opening Day

Carroll went under the knife on February 11 to fix a broken hamate in his right hand. They first thought he’d miss 4–8 weeks, which would’ve meant no Opening Day for him.

But here’s the thing—less than three weeks after surgery, Carroll said he’s “definitely ahead of schedule.” He’s already catching fly balls and doing some light hitting drills (just flips and tee work) with both hands. That’s a really good sign for Arizona, since Carroll brings so much speed and gets on base a ton.

The baseball ops team is watching his every move, especially surgeon Don Sheridan. They’re tracking everything from grip strength to how his swing looks. Carroll still has to get back into the groove during actual games, so they’re not rushing him.

They want him to go slow in Cactus League play, and he still needs to make up for lost reps if he’s going to be ready for Opening Day.

Recent Surgery and Recovery Timeline

After the hamate repair, Carroll had a pretty realistic shot at coming back, but the early progress looks good. The medical staff keeps checking his grip and bat control as he gets closer to game situations.

Honestly, the timeline could shift depending on how he handles live action. They just don’t want to risk a setback.

Manager’s Optimism and Plan

Torey Lovullo has talked up Carroll’s attitude and toughness. He says the club will keep checking in with surgeon Don Sheridan and the medical crew.

They’re all about keeping Carroll safe, and they’ll decide day by day how much he does as spring games go on. If he can get even a little Cactus League time, that’s a huge boost for the lineup and their speed game.

Merrill Kelly’s Injury Update and Opening Day Outlook

Kelly got scratched from live BP because his back was acting up. Later, they found out he had some intercostal nerve irritation, but his MRI and CT scans looked clean.

He got a cortisone and lidocaine shot earlier in the week, then threw pain-free, which definitely helps his chances of coming back soon. With good scans and a solid throwing session, there’s some cautious optimism, but they’re still taking it slow with his workload.

The Diamondbacks hope Kelly can pitch a bit later in the rotation. Maybe he’ll debut during the team’s second series. Arizona starts with three games in LA, then comes home for seven more, so Kelly’s first start could be pushed past those first five games.

They’re keeping their options open to make sure he stays healthy for the long run.

Back Issue, Treatment, and Improvement

Kelly’s back soreness kept him out for a bit, but clean MRI/CT scans point to a good outcome. The cortisone and lidocaine shot, plus his pain-free throwing, show he’s moving in the right direction.

The medical and coaching staff are watching his range of motion and how hard he’s throwing as he keeps rehabbing. There’s still some work to do, but things are looking up.

Opening Day Plans and Rotation Options

Kelly won’t be the Opening Day starter on March 26. Still, the Diamondbacks think he could pitch later in the rotation, maybe even during the team’s second series.

The schedule shakes out with three games in Los Angeles, then a seven-game home stretch. That gives Arizona a bit of wiggle room to delay his first start if they need to.

If Kelly isn’t fully built up, they’ve got a few backup plans in mind:

• Delay his first start past the opening five games to keep him healthy.
• Try piggyback starts and let him share innings, so he doesn’t have to do too much too soon.
• Rely on the bullpen for some early rotation depth until he’s ready.
• If it comes to it, put him on the injured list to make sure he returns safely.

Impact on Spring Training and Team Depth

Carroll still needs to make up for lost spring reps. Whether he’s ready depends on how many Cactus League games he can safely get into before Opening Day.

The Diamondbacks are walking a fine line between going for it and playing it safe. They’re betting that if Carroll and Kelly progress carefully, the team will be stronger and healthier when the season really gets rolling.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Latest On Merrill Kelly, Corbin Carroll