{"id":585433,"date":"2026-02-21T22:00:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T22:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/585433\/"},"modified":"2026-02-21T22:00:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T22:00:22","slug":"diamondbacks-merrill-kelly-scratched-will-undergo-tests-the-latest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/585433\/","title":{"rendered":"Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly scratched, will undergo tests. The latest"},"content":{"rendered":"

Right-hander Merrill Kelly was scratched from a live batting practice session at Salt River Fields on Saturday, Feb. 21, due to mid-back tightness, Diamondbacks<\/a> manager Torey Lovullo said.<\/p>\n

Kelly will undergo testing in the next 24 hours, Lovullo said.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Kelly started to go through his pre-outing routine but never took the mound.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe just felt like the smart thing to do, the responsible thing to do, would be to hit the pause button,\u201d Lovullo said.<\/p>\n

Lovullo added: \u201cAnytime somebody comes off the mound like that the concern is legitimate, but Merrill knows himself so well and I just appreciate that he didn\u2019t try to go full throttle and get to that next level if there is anything wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Arizona<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 16, 2026, in Scottsdale.<\/p>\n

The severity of the injury will determine whether Kelly\u2019s scheduled Opening Day start is in jeopardy.<\/p>\n

Kelly, 37, is coming off a strong season split between the Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers<\/a>. He logged a 3.52 ERA in 32 starts. He signed back with the Diamondbacks in December on a two-year, $40 million deal.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) high-fives his teammates during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) high-fives his teammates during the spring training season opener against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) crosses home plate 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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Jorge Barrosa (1) bats against the Colorado Rockies in the second inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Tom Hatch (59) throws to the Colorado Rockies in the first inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Ryan Waldschmidt (86) warms up to play the Colorado Rockies during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela (49) throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Philip Abner (50) throws to the Colorado Rockies in the third inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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22 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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23 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Pavin Smith (26) hits a single, then reaches second base on an error by the Colorado Rockies in the first inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on Feb. 20, 2026, in Scottsdale.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Arizona Diamondbacks kick off spring training vs. Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Alek Thomas (5) reacts after reaching 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.<\/p>\n

Pavin Smith, Jordan Lawlar in lineup vs. Rockies<\/p>\n

After most of the Diamondbacks’ projected regulars started the Cactus League opener the day before, manager Torey Lovullo\u2019s lineup for Day 2 on Saturday featured fewer household names.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

First baseman Pavin Smith, center fielder Jordan Lawlar and catcher James McCann were among those in the starting lineup for the game against the Colorado Rockies<\/a> at Salt River Fields.<\/p>\n

This will be Lawlar\u2019s first game action in center field in a Diamondbacks uniform. He played there briefly during winter ball in the Dominican Republic. Smith is playing for the second day in a row after serving as the designated hitter in the opener.<\/p>\n

Lefty Mitch Bratt, one of the pitchers acquired from the Texas Rangers in the Merrill Kelly trade, is getting the start. Right-handers Alfred Morillo and Hayden Durke, and lefties Spencer Giesting and Yu-Min Lin also are scheduled to pitch for the Diamondbacks.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: DBacks’ pitcher Merrill Kelly scratched. What to know<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Right-hander Merrill Kelly was scratched from a live batting practice session at Salt River Fields on Saturday, Feb.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":585434,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[2405],"tags":[5,167,52,4316,38,1198,543,660,4,352,168,32219,69,638],"class_list":{"0":"post-585433","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-colorado-rockies","8":"tag-baseball","9":"tag-colorado","10":"tag-colorado-rockies","11":"tag-coloradorockies","12":"tag-diamondbacks","13":"tag-james-mccann","14":"tag-jordan-lawlar","15":"tag-merrill-kelly","16":"tag-mlb","17":"tag-pavin-smith","18":"tag-rockies","19":"tag-salt-river-fields","20":"tag-texas-rangers","21":"tag-torey-lovullo"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@mlb\/116110875964282006","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/585433","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=585433"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/585433\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/585434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=585433"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=585433"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=585433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}