PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks and fans welcomed back former pitcher Merrill Kelly as the D-Backs began their series against the Texas Rangers on Monday night.
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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly throws to the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Chase Field on July 18, 2019, in Phoenix. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Kelly spent over six seasons with the Diamondbacks, making his debut with the team in 2019. The right-handed pitcher gradually became one of the club’s most consistent starters. His connection to Arizona, especially as an Arizona State alumnus, made him a fan favorite over the years.
However, this season saw Kelly in a different uniform for the first time in his MLB career.
Aug 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Merrill Kelly (23) comes off the field after he pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The 36-year-old was traded at the trade deadline this year to the Rangers due to the Diamondbacks’ underwhelming season. Upon his return to Chase for the first time since his trade, Kelly hopes he will come back and play for his former team again.
“I’ve talked to the front office tirelessly about being a D-back for life,” Kelly said pre-game on Monday, according to FOX 10’s Megan Plain. “That was really my plan. That was real, that was genuine.”
Oct 28, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) reacts in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers in game two of the 2023 World Series at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
The Diamondbacks welcomed Kelly back with a tribute video of his most iconic moments during his time in Arizona, including his performances in the 2023 playoffs and World Series.
Tribute video and standing ovation for Merrill Kelly back at Chase Field. pic.twitter.com/mRo63CcArU
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) September 2, 2025
D-Backs fans have expressed how much they want Kelly to be brought back during the offseason.
https://t.co/HcdL7SEXNd pic.twitter.com/cim1mh5CE1
— Jonathan Danielson (@JonathanIn2K) September 2, 2025
.@Dbacks i swear if you don’t get this man back at home where he belongs 😭 #BringMerrillHome #DBacks https://t.co/FsrnxcHDFs
— 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎 (@6ritannica) September 2, 2025
Better get him back here in the off season.
— Lindsey – DT forever 🐐 (@imahotdawgg) September 2, 2025
I miss him so much 💔😔 https://t.co/s8xGkGibW1
— Michael (@MichaelDSebast) September 2, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly (29) pitches against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Kelly’s return served as a reminder of his lasting impact with Arizona fans, with the hope that he’ll wear Sedona red once more in the future.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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