The Arizona Diamondbacks aren’t wasting time setting the tone for 2026. Just days into Spring Training, manager Torey Lovullo made a move that turns a few heads and sends a clear message: Merrill Kelly will get the ball on Opening Day. That means Zac Gallen, the team’s Opening Day starter for the past three seasons, will take a backseat-at least for Game 1-when Arizona opens the year against the Dodgers on March 26.
Now, this isn’t about Gallen losing his spot or fading from the spotlight. He’s still very much a cornerstone of this rotation.
But this decision does mark a subtle shift in the team’s internal dynamics. Kelly, back in the desert after a short stint with the Rangers, is stepping into the lead role.
And Lovullo didn’t hesitate-he made the announcement early, at Salt River Fields, cutting off any potential speculation before it could pick up steam.
Let’s break it down. Kelly, 37, returned to Arizona this offseason on a two-year, $40 million deal.
His brief time in Texas saw him make just 10 starts, but his track record in Arizona speaks volumes. He owns a 3.74 ERA with the Diamondbacks and was trending toward a 3.32 mark before being dealt last summer.
More than the numbers, though, it’s his steadiness and postseason poise that make him a natural fit for this kind of assignment.
Lovullo is leaning into trust and familiarity here. Kelly’s been through the battles, especially in the NL West, and he’s delivered in big spots.
Starting him against a Dodgers team that’s once again loaded and expected to contend isn’t just about honoring a veteran-it’s about setting a tone. This is a team that wants to hit the ground running, and Kelly gives them a reliable arm to do just that.
The move also brings clarity to the rotation. With Kelly leading the charge, Gallen slots in right behind him, forming a one-two punch that can go toe-to-toe with just about anyone in the division. Gallen re-signed on a one-year deal this winter, and while he may not be the Opening Day guy this time around, his role remains crucial.
Announcing the decision this early-mid-February, no less-says a lot about how Arizona is approaching the season. It’s not just about who starts Game 1. It’s about eliminating distractions, reinforcing leadership, and showing the clubhouse (and the rest of the league) that this team knows exactly who it is.
For the Diamondbacks, it’s about continuity. About building off what they’ve been growing over the past few seasons. And with Kelly back in the fold and leading the charge, they’re making it clear: they’re not just showing up-they’re coming to compete.