Looking to rebound after a disappointing 80-82 finish in 2025, the Arizona Diamondbacks have made an important decision ahead of Opening Day.
Arizona will hand the ball to a veteran, granted a first-time Opening Day starter, when its 2026 season gets underway in March.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo named the right-handed Merrill Kelly his team’s Opening Day starting pitcher on Saturday. The move awards Kelly his first Opening Day start at the age of 37.
Merrill Kelly decided to return to Arizona after being traded by the franchise
Making his 2026 Opening Day start ironic, Kelly was traded out of Arizona at the deadline last season. He was sent to the Texas Rangers for three minor league prospects on July 31.
A product of Arizona State, Kelly then decided to return to his old team by signing a two-year, $40 million deal this offseason.