PHOENIX — It’s been a slower than initially anticipated rehab process for Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly, who’s been out since April 21 with a right shoulder strain. What seemed what was going to be a short recovery stint at first could become a four-month waiting period after imaging revealed a teres major strain. It marked the first time in his career he’s suffered a soft tissue injury, and the longest stint on the injured list for his career.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Kelly was present at the Diamondbacks’ watch party at Guy Fieri’s Downtown Phoenix Kitchen & Bar on June 21 and spoke with the media about his injury and the rehab process.
“I’m just trying to navigate the process as best I can,” said Kelly. “All I know is to take it day by day as much as I can, not have too many expectations and look too far ahead when I’m going to be back, and stop playing that game. I think that’s when you set yourself up for disappointment, so I’m just trying to take it each step at a time.”
#Dbacks RHP Merrill Kelly on how he's feeling as he navigates through a right shoulder strain. pic.twitter.com/rl2P1o7C9C
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) June 22, 2024
Being sidelined with an injury, Kelly can only watch with a little bit of a helpless feeling as his teammates try to keep their season alive. He says the games become more enjoyable when they’re winning because he’s not questioning if he’s working back quick enough to help the team win. The Diamondbacks are 13-6 in the month of June and currently hold a Wild Card position with a 38-38 record.
Kelly admits the toughest part about being injured is not being on the team and contributing towards wins on the mound.
“As competitive as we are it’s tough watching the team that you love playing for, and the guys you want to pull for and be there for, sometimes you almost feel a little helpless. That’s probably been the hardest part, especially since it’s my first time going through this. This is the true time that I really feel like I’m not necessarily earning my stripes. Not being with the guys, being in the clubhouse, being on the road, that type of stuff.”
In terms of which road trips Kelly has missed the most, it has been in the series against Philadelphia, the team the Diamondbacks were playing that night. He has some history pitching against them in last year’s postseason, starting Games 2 and 6 of the National League Championship Series last season. His win in Game 6 helped turn the tide in the series, which the Diamondbacks ultimately won in seven games.
“I had this trip circled on our calendar, I think we all did because of how intense last year was, how much fun we had, and what we knew the Philly fans would be like and bring to the table while we were there. I was really hoping to get to pitch in this one.”
Originally the thought was Kelly could be back before the All-Star break, but it’s looking to be much later than that. He’s hoping to be back by the time the Diamondbacks embark on a nine-game East Coast road trip through Tampa Bay, Miami, and Boston in mid-August.
Merrill Kelly seems to be hinting at mid-August as a potential return date from his injury. He mentioned hopefully being back for the team's road trip through Tampa, Miami, and Boston on August 16-25. pic.twitter.com/DoffQhOZlY
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) June 22, 2024
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
