The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing a pitching predicament that could make or break their season before it even begins. With Opening Day just around the corner, the team’s rotation plans are in flux, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering who will take the mound when it matters most. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the front office doing enough to shore up their pitching depth, or are they risking a repeat of past struggles? Let’s dive in.
The spotlight is squarely on right-hander Merrill Kelly, who was penciled in as the Opening Day starter until a nagging back issue threw a wrench into those plans. Despite undergoing multiple tests—including an MRI and CT scan—the exact nature of his injury remains a mystery. Manager Torey Lovullo remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting Kelly could still be ready for the team’s second series of the season. And this is the part most people miss: Even if Kelly’s tests come back negative, the fact that he’s experiencing pain while throwing raises serious questions about his long-term durability. Can the Diamondbacks afford to rush him back, or should they play it safe?
The Snakes kick off their season on March 26th with a three-game showdown against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, followed by a seven-game homestand against Detroit and Atlanta. While Kelly’s absence from Opening Day is a setback, getting him back into the rotation early in the schedule would be a huge boost. But that hinges entirely on his body cooperating—something that’s far from guaranteed.
If Kelly’s injury lingers, the rotation will likely fall to Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodríguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson, and Michael Soroka. Here’s the catch: Pfaadt is also under scrutiny after dealing with a side issue during the offseason. While he appears to be healthy now, the team is taking a cautious approach with his progression. Is this overcaution, or a smart move to avoid further injury? It’s a fine line the Diamondbacks are walking.
Beyond this core group, the team’s pitching depth is alarmingly thin. Cristian Mena, Yilber Díaz, Kohl Drake, Mitch Bratt, and Dylan Ray are on the 40-man roster, but only Díaz and Mena have limited major league experience—and even that is minimal. And here’s the kicker: Mena recently re-aggravated a teres major injury in his throwing shoulder, sidelining him indefinitely. With Mena out of the picture, the Diamondbacks’ depth chart looks even more precarious.
Soroka could fill a long relief or swingman role, but his effectiveness remains a question mark. Meanwhile, non-roster veterans like Joe Ross, Thomas Hatch, and Bryce Jarvis could provide some experience, but none are guaranteed to make the cut. Should the team take a gamble on free agents like Lucas Giolito or Zack Littell to bolster their rotation? Or is that a financial risk they can’t afford? With the recent acquisition of Gallen already stretching their budget, the front office may be hesitant to spend more.
What do you think? Are the Diamondbacks doing enough to address their pitching woes, or are they setting themselves up for a rocky season? Let us know in the comments below!
