Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodríguez continue to progress from their respective injuries. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told Jesse Friedman of PHNX Sports that Kelly threw a two-inning simulated game on Thursday and Rodríguez did the same on Friday. Both pitchers are set to throw a bullpen and if all goes well could ramp up to a three-inning simulated game next time out.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Merrill Kelly threw a two-inning sim game Thursday and Eduardo Rodriguez did the same today, manager Torey Lovullo said.
Kelly is slated to throw a bullpen on Sunday, E-Rod on Monday.
If all goes well, it sounds like they'll both ramp up to three innings next week.
— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) July 26, 2024
Kelly and Rodríguez are expected to return in August, which complicates the team’s plans at the trade deadline. General manager Mike Hazen didn’t rule out a trade for a starting pitcher, but clarified they are only interested in adding controllable arms. With that in mind, it’s very possible they finish out the season with the options already in the organization in regard to the rotation. However, that puts pressure on both Kelly and Rodríguez to return to form.
In another health update, Lovullo told Friedman left-hander Blake Walston threw a live bullpen and was touching 93-94 MPH. They have yet to determine if he’ll be considered a viable option down the stretch.
Blake Walston threw a live BP today and touched 93-94, manager Torey Lovullo said.
Lovullo said that it has not yet been determined whether he could be an option for the team down the stretch.
— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) July 26, 2024
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, exclusive content, and access to our seasonal magazines! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
