Merrill Kelly's Rehab Start: Arizona Diamondbacks Pitcher's Comeback

0:00It's April 3rd, you're listening to MLB News today, AI-powered MLB coverage. Arizona Diamondback's pitcher, Merrill Kelly, is ramping up for a comeback with his first rehab start Friday at Triple A Reno against the Apocurkey. Isatops, first pitch at 5.35 pm. He's been sideline by intercostal nerve irritation, causing mid-back tightness and spring training, landing him on the 15-day injured list. Backdated to March 24th, making him eligible April 7th, possibly for the road series against the New York Metz. Kelly signed back with Arizona on a two-year $40 million deal after a 2025 trade to the Texas Rangers, earning the opening day. Nod for the first time, the rough spring outings with nine earn runs over 6.1 innings delayed his prep. This marks his first rehab appearance since a major shoulder issue in 2024, and he hopes one solid outing does the trick, depending on how Friday shakes out.

1:00Meanwhile, the D-backs rotation has been up and down, Zach Gallon with one dud and one gym, strong showings from Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Sorrocas. Historic debut, but struggles for Ryan Nelson and Brandon Fatt, giving the team flexibility to ease Kelly in as they build momentum.