Merrill Kelly Pain-Free After Injection; Targeting Second Series Return

Merrill Kelly (Diamondbacks) was scratched from a live batting practice session with intercostal nerve irritation in his back but received a cortisone and lidocaine injection and reported pain-free after catch work, per reports March 2, 2026. The club now expects him to slot into the back of the rotation and make his season debut during Arizona’s second series (after Opening Day March 26 at Dodger Stadium), rather than miss extended time. Kelly had been named the D-backs’ Opening Day starter on February 14—his first career Opening Day nod. Corbin Carroll remains on track for an Opening Day return from hamate surgery; both updates were reported together by MLB Trade Rumors and MLB.com.

What It Means for AthX

Kelly’s share price will reflect his delayed but limited absence; a second-series return is a positive outcome. Dynamic pricing will reflect his starts and results. Browse the marketplace to see Diamondbacks and all MLB player values on AthX. *Sources: MLB Trade Rumors; MLB.com. Fact-checked March 2, 2026.*