Merrill Kelly is gearing up for his first start since early April, as he is expected to take the mound against the Phillies on Sunday, according to Torey Lovullo on the Burns and Gambo Show.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Kelly was spotted in Arizona’s clubhouse on Saturday, even having some fun at shortstop. He recently made a rehab start with the Hillsboro Hops in Double-A, where he allowed three earned runs on six hits over four innings.
Video credits to @PHNX_Dbacks
Known backup infielder Merrill Kelly getting some reps in at shortstop pic.twitter.com/iOPI3JKkBp
— PHNX Diamondbacks (@PHNX_Dbacks) August 9, 2024
Before heading to the IL, Kelly was arguably the strongest arm in Arizona’s rotation. In his four starts, he pitched at least five innings each time and didn’t allow more than two earned runs in a single outing. By mid-April, he led the Diamondbacks’ starters with a 2.19 ERA.
With Kelly returning to the rotation, the Diamondbacks face a decision about who will be sent down. According to Jesse Friedman of PHNX Sports, Lovullo mentioned that the team has likely ruled out a six-man rotation.
Kelly, who is set to face Philadelphia in the series finale, pitched against the Phillies twice last year during the NLCS. After a shaky start in Game 2, where he allowed four earned runs in 5.2 innings, Kelly rebounded with a masterful five-inning, one earned run performance in Game 6, keeping the D-backs alive.
The Diamondbacks also recently welcomed Eduardo Rodriguez back into the rotation. Rodriguez had missed the entire first five months of the season with a lat injury but returned to lead the Diamondbacks to a win over the Guardians with five solid innings on Wednesday.
