Kelly's Spring Training Struggle: Injury, Velocity Drop

0:00It's March 24th. MLB News Today starts now, AI-powered and game-ready. I'm Cory with the story. Merrill Kelly had a rough outing for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Monday night spring training game against the Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians shut them out, seven to nothing. Kelly pitched two innings, gave up four hits, including two homers, five earned runs, two walks, and just one strikeout. His basketball velocity started around 93 miles per hour, but dropped to about 90 by his final inning. Even so, he threw 52 pitches, building up from 36 in his previous appearance. Coming off a back injury that sideline him for weeks, Kelly starts the season on the 15-day injured list. The good news is, he felt no pain afterward, focusing on health over results as he warts back into form. His next step is a backfield outing Saturday, March 28th, aiming to reach the fourth inning. Time comes a rehab start with Triple A Reno on April 3rd, putting him on track to return around April 8th during the Met series.

1:02The Diamondbacks managed only two hits at the plate, but manager Tori LeVolo was happy everyone stayed healthy. One final exhibition game happens Tuesday at 12.40 pm, followed by an off day before the season opens Thursday in Los Angeles.