PHOENIX — Opening Day is about symbolism as much as strategy, setting the tone and expectations for the season ahead.
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly (29) pitches against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The Arizona Diamondbacks thought they had that moment lined up. The club planned to give the ball to right-hander Merrill Kelly, who re-signed with Arizona despite reportedly receiving more lucrative offers elsewhere. Kelly chose to return to a state he calls home.
It would have been symbolic, a full-circle moment after years of steady work, from Korea to the desert, to make his first career Opening Day start. Instead, that possibility became a “what if” after a back injury sidelined the veteran, leaving him unavailable to take the mound.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde