Kelly return bumps Pfaadt to the bullpen
Apr 15 2026
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Arizona Diamondbacks
NEWS: Arizona activated RHP Merrill Kelly from the 15-day IL and optioned RHP Taylor Rashi to the minors.
IMPACT: High
BHQ SPIN: Kelly opened the season on the IL with intercostal nerve irritation but worked his way back to make his season debut in Baltimore on Tuesday. Kelly’s return to the rotation creates a dilemma with six big league caliber starters on the active roster. Michael Soroka’s early season success complicates things further as he’s pitched to a 2.87 ERA with a 34.3% strikeout through his first three starts. To accommodate both Kelly and Soroka as starters, the DBacks will send Brandon Pfaadt to the bullpen where he’ll work as a bulk reliever.
–Crumpler
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