D-Backs take safe route with Merrill Kelly’s back issue

SCOTTSDALE — Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly has hit pause on his normal routine after experiencing mid-back tightness.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) during spring training workouts on Feb. 10, 2026, at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo revealed that the pitcher’s live batting practice session was canceled due to tightness and that he will undergo imaging within the next 24 hours. Lovullo described the club’s level of concern as “minimal” but said the team is taking a cautious approach to have it checked out now.

“He just felt like the smart thing to do, the responsible thing to do, would be hit the pause button,” Lovullo said, according to Sports Illustrated’s Jack Sommers.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kelly, who re-signed with the club in December, has been a stabilizing presence in Arizona’s rotation over the last several seasons. Valued for his durability and efficiency, he works deep into games while keeping pitch counts manageable.

Even a short interruption in his throwing schedule could affect early pitching plans, but the team does not appear to believe it will be anything major. With it still early in spring training and weeks before Opening Day, Kelly and Arizona seem intent on preserving his health rather than pushing the issue.

“There wasn’t necessarily a mechanism, wasn’t like I threw one pitch and it tweaked on me,” Kelly said, according to Diamondbacks on SI. “… Everything felt fine [after my second bullpen of camp] until I kind of calmed down, and I’ve felt it since.”

As the Diamondbacks await news on one of their top starters and what the back tightness could mean, it’s clear the club would rather fully understand the issue now than take unnecessary risks.

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D-Backs take safe route with Merrill Kelly’s back issue

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