Right-hander Merrill Kelly will not start for the Arizona Diamondbacks on Opening Day of the 2026 season due to a back injury. The issue, described as intercostal nerve irritation, surfaced during spring training in Scottsdale, Arizona. While tests show no structural damage, the timeline for his return remains unclear.
In Scottsdale, Arizona, the Diamondbacks announced that Merrill Kelly, their expected Opening Day starter, will miss the beginning of the 2026 season because of left mid-back tightness. Kelly was scratched from a live batting practice session on Saturday after experiencing the discomfort. Subsequent tests, including at least one MRI and a CT scan, revealed intercostal nerve irritation but no structural issues in the spine, ribs, muscles, or tendons.
Kelly played catch on Wednesday for the first time since the incident, reporting less pain than before, though he noted a difference between light throwing and competitive pitching. "We've done pretty much every test under the sun that we can think of and everything's coming back clear, which is a positive," Kelly said. "Structurally wise. We've looked at the spine, we've looked at the ribs, we've looked at the muscles, we've looked at the tendons, we've looked at everything back there, and that's all coming back good, which is a positive, obviously, but there's still something going on back there. Still feel something."
The 37-year-old Kelly, who re-signed with the Diamondbacks in December on a two-year, $40 million deal after being traded to the Rangers at last season's deadline, expressed disappointment at missing what he saw as his one chance to start an opener. "I saw it as kind of my one shot to throw Opening Day," he said. "And obviously that's disappointing, but injuries are part of it, and all I really care about at this point is being able to throw again and then be ready for the team whenever, whether it's Opening Day or the last game of the rotation, doesn't really matter at this point as long as I'm back for it."
Manager Torey Lovullo declined to speculate on Kelly's return timeline, stating the club has a next step in mind but details are pending. Arizona's starting pitching depth includes recently re-signed Zac Gallen, along with Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Mike Soroka. Lovullo indicated the Opening Day replacement role is open, with Nelson as a logical option, though Gallen is slightly behind schedule after missing early camp days. "We’ve got five other candidates, and we’re going to take a look at it," Lovullo said. "It’s wide open."