Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo has announced that SP Merrill Kelly will make one more start in the ACL League before hopefully returning for their series against the Cardinals starting Monday, July 24th.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Kelly was sent to the IL in late June due to a blood clot in his right calf. Before this setback, Kelly established himself as the #2 man in the Diamondbacks rotation. Through 16 starts, the Arizona native struck out 98 batters, grabbed nine wins, and held a 3.22 ERA.
Considering how important Kelly is to the Diamondbacks rotation, manager Torey Lovullo is not willing to risk anything.
“I think it’s just out of safety, just to make sure that he’s 100% ready to go.”
Since Merrill entered the IL, the Diamondbacks have gone with a four-man rotation, including Zac Gallen, Ryne Nelson, Tommy Henry, and Zach Davies. On stretches when a fifth man is necessary, the D-backs have looked towards their bullpen for some extra reinforcement.
Arizona will need someone Saturday, July 22nd, against the Reds, as they will be in the middle of a nine-in-a-row stretch. Torey Lovullo has not mentioned who will take the mound for this game.
Stay tuned for further updates.
