Merrill Kelly, the Diamondbacks' reliable right-hander, is dealing with some back tightness that’s proving to be more stubborn than expected. Initially, it seemed like a quick fix, but as the days pass, the situation remains unresolved. Manager Torey Lovullo shared that the team is being thorough, conducting every necessary test, including an MRI and CT scan, to get a complete picture before making any announcements.
The uncertainty surrounding Kelly’s condition could pose a challenge for the Diamondbacks, who are already navigating a rotation with limited depth. As it stands, Kelly is expected to join Zac Gallen and Ryne Nelson, with Eduardo Rodríguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Michael Soroka vying for the remaining spots. If Kelly has to sit out, it could open the door for others to step up, including Yilber Díaz, Cristian Mena, and Dylan Ray, though none have extensive big-league experience.
On the offensive side, Arizona’s outfield is in flux. The team traded Jake McCarthy and is dealing with injuries to key players. Corbin Carroll is recovering from hamate surgery and may start the season on the injured list, while Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is working his way back from ACL surgery, with hopes of returning by the All-Star break.
Alek Thomas appears to be the only sure thing in the outfield, with Jordan Lawlar also in the mix as he transitions from infield to outfield. This opens up opportunities for prospects like Ryan Waldschmidt, who isn’t on the 40-man roster yet but is making waves with his performance.
His .289/.419/.473 slash line and a strong showing in the minors make him a compelling option. Waldschmidt’s potential inclusion on the Opening Day roster could even bring future draft benefits if he excels in his rookie season.
With a roster full of possibilities, the Diamondbacks’ outfield situation is anything but set in stone. Players like Carroll, Thomas, Gurriel, Waldschmidt, and others will be jockeying for position, with health and performance likely dictating how things shake out as the season progresses.