Zach Davies Gets Surprise Call-Up for Diamondbacks

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  Sports and Competition on Tue, Mar 03rd, 2026 by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

Zach Davies Poised for Unexpected Return: Diamondbacks Navigate Merrill Kelly Injury

The Arizona Diamondbacks face an early-season challenge as starting pitcher Merrill Kelly has been placed on the injured list with a right bicep injury. This setback forces the team to recalibrate their rotation and turn to a veteran arm who has been working his way back into form. The injury to Kelly, a key piece of the Diamondbacks' pitching staff since signing a three-year, $30 million contract before the 2024 season, is a blow to their aspirations in the competitive National League West.

Kelly's performance thus far in 2026 had been underwhelming, posting a 2-2 record with a 5.44 ERA across five starts. While the Diamondbacks remain hopeful for a swift recovery, the team is proceeding cautiously, scheduling a reassessment of Kelly's condition after a period of rest and thorough evaluation. The timing is less than ideal, as the early weeks of the season often set the tone for a team's playoff chances.

The most immediate task for manager Torey Lovullo and the Diamondbacks' front office is filling the void left by Kelly. The surprising answer appears to be veteran right-hander Zach Davies. Davies, a former All-Star with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017, has been a somewhat forgotten figure in recent seasons, having not pitched in the major leagues since 2022. He signed a minor league contract with Arizona in January, representing a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for a team needing pitching depth.

Davies' path back to the majors hasn't been seamless. He's admittedly faced challenges in his rehab and acclimatization process within the Diamondbacks' system. However, the injury to Kelly has expedited his return to the big leagues, and he is currently slated to make his first start for Arizona since 2022 on Tuesday. This marks a significant opportunity for Davies to prove he can still compete at the highest level.

The decision to go with Davies over other potential options signals a degree of faith from the Diamondbacks' coaching staff. While the team has other pitchers within their system, Davies brings a level of experience and, at his peak, a demonstrated ability to eat innings - a valuable asset for any rotation. His 2017 All-Star season showcased his potential, and the Diamondbacks are hoping they can unlock some of that form.

However, it's crucial to temper expectations. Davies is not the pitcher he once was, and his recent struggles are a clear indication of that. The Diamondbacks aren't necessarily expecting him to be an ace, but rather a reliable body who can provide consistent effort and prevent the rotation from collapsing. The success of this move will likely depend on managing Davies' workload and allowing him to pitch to his strengths: command, movement, and keeping the ball in the ballpark.

The Diamondbacks' pitching staff has been a point of contention for several years, oscillating between periods of promise and frustrating inconsistency. While young arms like Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson have shown flashes of brilliance, the team has lacked a consistently reliable core. Kelly's injury further exacerbates this issue. The performance of Davies, therefore, becomes particularly important not just for the immediate future, but also for gauging the organization's ability to identify and cultivate undervalued veterans who can contribute to a winning team.

Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks will need to closely monitor Kelly's recovery process. The severity of the bicep injury remains unclear, and a prolonged absence could force the team to explore further options at the trade deadline. Davies' performance will also dictate how long they can rely on him as a rotation member. If he thrives, it could provide a much-needed boost to the staff. If he struggles, the Diamondbacks may need to revisit their pitching plans sooner rather than later. The next few weeks will be critical in determining the course of the Diamondbacks' season and the future role of Zach Davies within the organization.