Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly Expected for Sunday’s Showdown Against Phillies

PHOENIX — After a prolonged absence, Merrill Kelly is poised to make his return to the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo revealed on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s ‘Burns and Gambo’ show that Kelly is “very likely” to start Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field.

Kelly has been sidelined since April 23 due to a right shoulder strain. “He’s got to throw his bullpen today, he’s here doing it at Chase,” Lovullo stated. “He feels great, looks great. He’s up into that 75-80 pitch range.”

Reporters noted that Kelly appeared confident, taking ground balls at shortstop before Friday’s game. This augurs well for a team that has been beleaguered by injuries. Kelly’s return would mark the first time that the starting rotation, including Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodriguez, Jordan Montgomery, and Brandon Pfaadt, will be fully intact this season.

Merrill Kelly’s injury history this season includes an initial 15-day IL placement on April 23 and a subsequent move to the 60-day IL on May 2. His rehabilitation included a start with the D-backs High-A affiliate, the Hillsboro Hops, earlier this week. Prior to his injury, Kelly was 2-0 with a 2.19 ERA in four starts.

The anticipation builds as fans hope for a seamless return. Phoenix’s sports scene is vibrant, with teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, and Phoenix Mercury making headlines. The Diamondbacks’ forthcoming games will undeniably be closely watched.