Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly will open the regular season on the injured list as he continues to recover from a back issue. The decision means the club will begin its 2026 campaign without one of its most experienced and dependable starting pitchers.
Kelly has been managing the back problem during the lead-up to Opening Day, and the team has opted for caution rather than rushing him into game action. By placing him on the injured list to start the season, the Diamondbacks allow Kelly additional time to strengthen the area, build up his workload, and ensure he is fully ready for the demands of a long season once he returns.
The move will have a direct impact on Arizona’s early-season rotation plans. Kelly has been a key part of the staff in recent years, often serving as a stabilizing presence and logging significant innings. With him sidelined to start the year, other starters and depth options in the organization will be called upon to cover his turn in the rotation. That could mean opportunities for younger pitchers or swingmen to step into more prominent roles until Kelly is cleared to rejoin the active roster.
A back issue for a starting pitcher is typically handled conservatively, given the repetitive stress that the position places on the spine and core. Teams frequently prioritize long-term health over short-term availability, especially with pitchers who are expected to shoulder a substantial workload over 162 games. While specific details about Kelly’s recovery timeline have not been made public, the initial placement on the injured list suggests the club is aiming to manage the situation carefully rather than risk a setback.
For now, the Diamondbacks will monitor Kelly’s progress as he continues his rehab and conditioning work. His eventual return will be an important boost for Arizona’s rotation, but until then, the team will rely on its depth and flexibility on the pitching staff to navigate the early portion of the schedule without one of its veteran right-handers.
