The Arizona Diamondbacks' starting rotation is facing some unexpected challenges as the season approaches, and this could be a make-or-break moment for their early success. Right-hander Merrill Kelly, initially penciled in as the Opening Day starter, has been sidelined by a mysterious back issue. Despite undergoing multiple tests, including an MRI and a CT scan, the exact cause of his discomfort remains unclear. Manager Torey Lovullo remains optimistic, suggesting Kelly could still be ready for the team’s second series of the season, but that hinges on his body cooperating. Here’s where it gets tricky: Kelly has been experiencing pain while throwing, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering how this will play out. Is this a minor setback or a sign of a deeper issue?
The Diamondbacks kick off their season on March 26th with a three-game series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, followed by a seven-game homestand against Detroit and Atlanta. While Kelly’s absence on Opening Day is a blow, the team is hopeful he’ll return early in the schedule. But here’s where it gets controversial: if Kelly needs time on the injured list, the rotation will likely fall to Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodríguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson, and Michael Soroka. Pfaadt, however, is also under scrutiny after dealing with an undisclosed side issue during the offseason. Though he appears healthy now, the team is taking a cautious approach with his progression. Are the Diamondbacks risking too much by relying on pitchers with recent health concerns?
Beyond this core group, the depth chart looks thin. Cristian Mena, Yilber Díaz, Kohl Drake, Mitch Bratt, and Dylan Ray are on the 40-man roster, but only Díaz and Mena have limited major league experience—and Mena is currently sidelined after re-aggravating a teres major injury in his throwing shoulder. His return date remains uncertain, further thinning the team’s options. Is this lack of depth a ticking time bomb for the Diamondbacks?
If all goes well, Soroka could fill a long relief or swingman role, ready to step into the rotation if needed. However, with Kelly’s status uncertain and Pfaadt being closely monitored, the team’s pitching depth is already stretched thin. Non-roster players like Joe Ross, Thomas Hatch, and Bryce Jarvis offer some experience, but they’re far from guaranteed solutions. And this is the part most people miss: the Diamondbacks could still explore free agency for starting pitching help. Names like Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell, Patrick Corbin, and Tyler Anderson remain available, but the team’s recent acquisition of Gallen may limit their willingness to spend more. Should the Diamondbacks take a financial risk to bolster their rotation, or is it wiser to stick with their current roster?
As the season looms, these questions will shape the Diamondbacks’ trajectory. What’s your take? Do you think the team can weather these pitching challenges, or is a mid-season move inevitable? Let us know in the comments!
