Right-hander Merrill Kelly received an injection last week to treat his tight back and he remains hopeful that he can avoid the injured list to open the season.
“Little bit of that (cortisone), little bit of lidocaine,” Kelly said. “Hopefully it will calm down the nerve back there.”
Advertisement
Kelly was tabbed as the club’s Opening Day starter but has since been scratched from that assignment because of the back issue, which forced him to pause his throwing progression last weekend. He is dealing with intercostal nerve irritation, the team said.
1 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks Jordan Lawlar catches a fly ball during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
1 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks Jordan Lawlar catches a fly ball during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
2 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) rounds the bases after hitting a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
3 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Gabriel Moreno (14) bats against the Colorado Rockies in the fourth inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
4 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Alek Thomas (5) runs to second base after hitting a double against the Colorado Rockies in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
5 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
D. Baxter the Bobcat, the Arizona Diamondbacks mascot, signs autographs during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
6 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) reacts after hitting a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
7 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
The Arizona Diamondbacks take the field against the Colorado Rockies during the spring training season opener at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
8 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run over Colorado Rockies left fielder Zac Veen (13) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
9 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
The Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community traditional dancers perform at the Arizona Diamondbacks spring training season opener at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
10 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
11 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
12 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
A fan and her dog cheer for the Arizona Diamondbacks during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
13 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas (5) signs autographs during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
14 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Colorado Rockies pitcher Juan Mejia (47) throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
15 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Fans watch the action on the left field lawn as the Colorado Rockies host the Arizona Diamondbacks during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
16 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Hoffmann (56) throws to the Colorado Rockies in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
17 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) reacts after hitting a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
18 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas (5) catches a fly ball from Colorado Rockies’ Edouard Julien (6) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
19 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Philip Abner (50) takes the mound against the Colorado Rockies in the third inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
Kelly sees a path to potentially starting in the second series of the season against the Detroit Tigers, which begins on April 1 at Chase Field.
“Cautiously optimistic,” Kelly said. “It feels a little bit better moving around. It feels like the range of motion is getting a little bit better.”
He said he was going to play catch on Sunday, March 1, for the first time in a few days. Depending on how he feels, he could begin building up again.
Advertisement
“Avoiding the IL would be the main goal,” Kelly said. “Obviously, a lot of hypotheticals on how it starts today and where it goes from there.”
—Nick Piecoro
Corbin Carroll keeps progressing in rehab
Corbin Carroll says he’s back to swinging the bat with two hands and says he’s feeling good about his chances of being ready for Opening Day.
Carroll, who had surgery to remove a broken right hamate on Feb. 11, will resume outfield drills on Sunday, March 1.
“Catching the ball and all that feels good,” Carroll said. “Swing wise, starting to build up there.”
Carroll said he has been taking “low-intensity” swings with both hands off flips and the tee. He laughed when describing how it felt.
Advertisement
“I mean, yeah — it doesn’t feel great, but we’re definitely ahead of schedule,” Carroll said. “I think some of the other guys who have gone through a hamate were happy to see where I am for being how far I am out of surgery. They said it looked great and in a week they wouldn’t be surprised if I’m able to do a little bit more.”
Carroll seemed optimistic about being ready for the March 26 opener at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
“I’m pushing for it,” he said.
—Nick Piecoro
1 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks Jordan Lawlar catches a fly ball during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
1 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks Jordan Lawlar catches a fly ball during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale.
2 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) rounds the bases after hitting a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
3 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Gabriel Moreno (14) bats against the Colorado Rockies in the fourth inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
4 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Alek Thomas (5) runs to second base after hitting a double against the Colorado Rockies in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
5 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
D. Baxter the Bobcat, the Arizona Diamondbacks mascot, signs autographs during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
6 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) reacts after hitting a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
7 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
The Arizona Diamondbacks take the field against the Colorado Rockies during the spring training season opener at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
8 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run over Colorado Rockies left fielder Zac Veen (13) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
9 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
The Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community traditional dancers perform at the Arizona Diamondbacks spring training season opener at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
10 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
11 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
12 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
A fan and her dog cheer for the Arizona Diamondbacks during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
13 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas (5) signs autographs during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
14 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Colorado Rockies pitcher Juan Mejia (47) throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
15 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Fans watch the action on the left field lawn as the Colorado Rockies host the Arizona Diamondbacks during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
16 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Hoffmann (56) throws to the Colorado Rockies in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
17 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) reacts after hitting a home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
18 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas (5) catches a fly ball from Colorado Rockies’ Edouard Julien (6) in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
19 / 19
Top photos from Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 spring training
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Philip Abner (50) takes the mound against the Colorado Rockies in the third inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.
Rough outing for Soroka before WBC departure
RHP Michael Soroka walked three and threw 25 balls to 22 strikes in the 1⅔ innings he worked in the March 1 start against the Cleveland Guardians.
Advertisement
He was charged with three earned runs allowed on four hits, with one strikeout, in his second spring training outing. Following Sunday’s work, Soroka was off to Florida to join Team Canada for the World Baseball Classic.
Canada will play its Pool A games in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“Not good. Thought I pressed from the start, thought I was trying to be perfect,” Soroka said. After leaving the game, he finished his work in the bullpen and worked mainly on his changeup.
“It’s going to be forgetting a lot of them (pitches) and building on the good ones. That’s what spring training’s for.”
Advertisement
Soroka looks forward to a different atmosphere in which to pitch. San Juan’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium will be abuzz for the WBC, and Soroka could pitch in the opener for Canada on March 7.
The Diamondbacks have laid out a plan for Soroka’s use in the WBC, the pitcher said. While he intends to be a starting pitcher in the Diamondbacks rotation, Soroka’s role could be different if RHP Merrill Kelly is able to take his turn in the starting rotation the first week of the regular season.
The Diamondbacks also have RHPs Zac Gallen, Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson and LHP Eduardo Rodriguez penciled in for the rotation.
—José M. Romero
Advertisement
Diamondbacks reassign 8 players
The Diamondbacks made their first round of cuts this spring, reassigning eight players to minor league camp.
None were expected to be in the mix for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
The players sent out were pitchers Daniel Eagen, Tommy Henry, Derek Law, Alfred Morillo and Landon Sims; first basemen Ben McLaughlin and Ivan Melendez; and outfielder Druw Jones.
Eagen and Jones are the most high-profile of the group. Eagen is viewed as one of the organization’s better starting pitching prospects. Jones, who was No. 2 overall pick in 2022, is a strong defensive center fielder. Both are expected to open the season in Double-A Amarillo.
Advertisement
—Nick Piecoro
Diamondbacks 9, Guardians 6
At Salt River Fields
On the mound: In the Diamondbacks’ fourth straight spring training win, RHPs Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel and Drey Jameson turned in scoreless innings after Soroka left the game. LHP Kohl Drake, acquired in last year’s deadline trade with the Texas Rangers for Kelly, gave up three earned runs on three hits and walked two in 1⅔ innings. Soroka and Drake each gave up solo home runs. “Zero concern with his outing,” manager Torey Lovullo said of Soroka. “All good there. I thought there were some really good moments inside the rest of the guys who came out (to pitch).”
Advertisement
At the plate: 1B Pavin Smith tripled and doubled high off the batter’s eye in center field, Gabriel Moreno drove in two runs with a single and Ildemaro Vargas had two hits for the Diamondbacks. Kristian Robinson, headed off after the game to play for Great Britain in the WBC, went 3-for-3 and is batting .417 (5-for-12) in spring training. The Diamondbacks scored four runs in the fifth inning and three in the sixth to turn a 6-2 deficit into a 9-6 lead. “He’s just barreling up the baseball, letting it travel,” Lovullo said of Smith. “Getting to that contact point and staying behind it.”
Extra bases: OF Alek Thomas played three innings before leaving the game to pack up for his departure for Team Mexico’s WBC camp, which will also be at Salt River Fields. He had an eventful day, almost getting hit by a pitch and knocked to the ground in the first inning, and coming up short on a diving attempt to catch a sinking fly ball in the second. Thomas will be back at Salt River Fields on Tuesday, March 3, wearing Mexico’s colors. The Diamondbacks hit into two inning-ending double plays, but both came after they’d scored multiple runs in the fifth and sixth innings. LHP Brandyn Garcia was still dealing with illness Sunday but felt much better than he did the day before, Lovullo said.
Next game: After an off day on Monday, March 2, Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen vs. WBC Team Mexico TBD, 1:10 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, Salt River Fields.
-José M. Romero
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Injured player updates, Diamondbacks win 4th straight