PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly will make one more rehab start before returning to the rotation, manager Torey Lovullo said on Sunday.
Kelly’s next start will be in extended spring training on Thursday as he continues to work back from intercostal nerve irritation in his back.
The Diamondbacks announced the probable pitching rotation for their upcoming series at the New York Mets without Kelly apart of it. Zac Gallen will start the series opener on Tuesday, followed by Ryne Nelson and Eduardo Rodriguez, as the D-backs are staying in order.
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Kelly is eligible to come off the injured list in time to start Wednesday’s game, but it looks like the Baltimore Orioles series to end Arizona’s road trip is where he now lines up for if everything goes according to plan.
“The reason is we have all felt that this is the best thing for Merrill and his long-term health,” Lovullo said. “End of story. That’s it. He’s ready. He’s sharp. He wants to pitch. He wants to go out and compete. However, we feel like coming back from an injury, this is the best thing for him. We’re going to make sure that when he gets back here and arrives back into this mix, that he’s here for another 30-plus starts. That’s it.”
The veteran right-hander was picked to start on Opening Day before back tightness caused him to miss time in spring training. He made a rehab start on Friday for Triple-A Reno, throwing five shutout innings with 72 pitches.
The D-backs would like to see Kelly continue to increase his pitch count for another outing.
The Diamondbacks’ starting rotation has actually been a strength of the team so far this season, even without Kelly or ace Corbin Burnes (recovery from Tommy John surgery).
Arizona entered Sunday with a 3.04 ERA from starting pitchers through nine games, as Michael Soroka and Rodriguez have combined for 22 innings and one earned run.
Lovullo said that was not a factor in the decision to push Kelly back a start.
“Merrill is an elite pitcher, he’s really good, so when he’s ready and we feel like he’s ready, his spot’s waiting for him,” Lovullo said.
Moving back Kelly also pushes back the decision for whose spot in the rotation he will take.
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