The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing a bit of a challenge as they head into the 2026 season. Merrill Kelly, their offseason free-agent acquisition, is set to miss the start due to a back injury. This setback reunites Kelly with the team he helped guide to the World Series in 2023, but for now, the Diamondbacks will need to adapt.
Stepping up to the mound for Opening Day will be Zac Gallen, as reported by Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. Gallen has been a steady force for Arizona since joining in 2019, even earning All-Star honors during their memorable 2023 World Series journey.
On a brighter note, manager Torey Lovullo shared some encouraging updates on Kelly's recovery. After a recent live batting session, Lovullo noted, “It looked like everything was coming out OK.”
Kelly managed to pitch without setbacks, maintaining a velocity between 90 and 93 mph, which is right on track for him. Lovullo's optimism suggests Kelly's return might not be too far off.
The Diamondbacks are aiming to break their playoff drought this season, eyeing their first postseason appearance since that 2023 run, where they fell short against the Texas Rangers. Arizona kicks off the 2026 campaign with a road series against the Los Angeles Dodgers later this month, hoping to set a positive tone for the season.