"Right-hander Merrill Kelly was slated to be the Opening Day starter but a back issue has scuttled those plans, even though an exact diagnosis has proved elusive. Manager Torey Lovullo tells Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic that Kelly still has enough time to be stretched out for Arizona's second series of the season."
"He has been subject to a number of recent tests, including an MRI and a CT scan, without anything conclusive being discovered. While it's encouraging that the tests keep coming back negative, Kelly has still been experiencing pain while throwing."
"If he does eventually require some time on the injured list, then the rotation jobs should go to Eduardo Rodríguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson and Michael Soroka. Pfaadt is also under the microscope somewhat, as Piecoro relays that he had some kind of issue with his side during the offseason."
The Arizona Diamondbacks face rotation concerns heading into spring training. Right-hander Merrill Kelly, originally scheduled for Opening Day, has been sidelined by a back issue that remains undiagnosed despite multiple tests including MRI and CT scans. While tests show negative results, Kelly continues experiencing pain while throwing. Manager Torey Lovullo indicates Kelly may be available for the team's second series against Detroit and Atlanta. If Kelly requires injured list time, the rotation would feature Eduardo Rodríguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson, and Michael Soroka. Pfaadt is also being monitored after an offseason side issue. Beyond these starters, depth is limited, with several young pitchers lacking major league experience.
#diamondbacks-rotation #merrill-kelly-injury #spring-training #pitching-depth #opening-day-preparations
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