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Diamondbacks Rule Merrill Kelly Out for Opening Day With Intercostal Nerve Irritation

Clean imaging has not resolved his symptoms, leaving Arizona to choose a new Opening Day starter.

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Apr 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) on the mound in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The team said Kelly’s mid-back issue has been diagnosed as an intercostal nerve irritation after an MRI, CT scan and other tests showed no structural damage.
  • Kelly played catch for the first time in four days and said he still felt the sensation on a couple of throws.
  • Manager Torey Lovullo has not named a replacement for the March 26 opener at Dodger Stadium and has set no timetable for Kelly’s return.
  • Lovullo indicated the role is “wide open,” with Zac Gallen on track for the season but slightly behind schedule and Ryne Nelson viewed as a logical option.
  • Kelly, 37, re-signed with Arizona on a two-year, $40 million deal after posting a 3.52 ERA last season, and the club is evaluating rotation contingencies with Brandon Pfaadt, Eduardo Rodríguez and Michael Soroka among the available starters.