Diamondbacks Lose Kelly to Injury, Rotation Shuffled

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, March 3rd 2026 at 16:57 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Phoenix, AZ - March 3rd, 2026 - The Arizona Diamondbacks are navigating an early-season hurdle with the placement of starting pitcher Merrill Kelly on the injured list. The move, announced Monday, stems from a concerning nerve issue, leaving the team to reassess its pitching rotation. While the Diamondbacks remain cautiously optimistic, the nature of nerve injuries suggests a potentially lengthy recovery period for the veteran right-hander.

Kelly, a consistent and reliable presence at the front of the Diamondbacks' rotation in recent years, has been a cornerstone of the team's pitching staff. His absence creates a significant void, particularly as Spring Training concludes and the regular season rapidly approaches. The team has yet to provide a definitive timeline for Kelly's return, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and evaluation of his progress.

"Nerve issues are notoriously tricky," explained Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo in a press conference earlier today. "We have to be patient and ensure Merrill receives the best possible care. We're not putting any pressure on him to rush back. His health is our priority."

To address the immediate gap in the rotation, the Diamondbacks have announced the recall of right-handed reliever Jose Soriano from Triple-A Reno. Soriano has been impressive during Spring Training and has continued that form with Reno, showcasing the velocity and command that earned him All-Star recognition earlier in his career.

Soriano's journey to Arizona has been anything but conventional. A former prospect in the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations, he initially struggled to find a consistent role at the Major League level. Traded to the Diamondbacks last season, Soriano has spent time refining his mechanics and harnessing his considerable talent. He is known for a blazing fastball, consistently reaching the upper-90s and even touching 100 mph, complemented by a developing slider and changeup.

While Soriano is primarily a relief pitcher, the Diamondbacks are expected to give him an opportunity to fill Kelly's spot in the starting rotation, at least in the short term. This is not entirely unfamiliar territory for Soriano, who made a handful of starts during his time with the Dodgers. The team believes his stuff and competitive fire make him capable of handling the increased demands of a starting role.

"Jose has shown us he's ready," said Diamondbacks pitching coach Brent Strom. "He's been working on building his stamina and refining his approach. We're excited to see what he can do with this opportunity. He's got the potential to be a really special pitcher, and we think this could be the chance for him to unlock it."

However, the Diamondbacks are also aware that relying solely on Soriano to fill Kelly's shoes long-term isn't a sustainable solution. They are actively exploring other options, including potentially bringing up other prospects from the minor league system or exploring the free agent market for veteran arms. The injury also potentially accelerates the development timeline for some of their younger pitching prospects, such as left-hander Blake Walston, who is currently ranked among the team's top 10 prospects.

The situation highlights the importance of pitching depth, a lesson learned by many teams throughout the grueling Major League Baseball season. The Diamondbacks, who invested heavily in their pitching development system in recent years, are hoping that investment will pay dividends as they navigate this unexpected challenge. They will be closely monitoring Kelly's progress, but also preparing for the possibility that his absence could extend beyond the initial weeks of the season. The success of Soriano in the starting role will be critical, not only for the team's immediate performance but also for solidifying his place in the organization's future plans. For now, the Diamondbacks are focusing on maximizing their options and weathering the storm, hoping that Merrill Kelly's nerve issue resolves quickly and allows him to return to the mound at full strength.