Merrill Kelly Projected for Under 17.5 Outs Against Diamondbacks' Conservative Strategy

Merrill Kelly, a potential 2026 free agent and a valuable trade asset for the struggling Arizona Diamondbacks, is projected to record under 17.5 outs in his next start. This prediction comes as his starts are being viewed as auditions, and the Diamondbacks' front office is likely to manage his workload conservatively. In his last outing, Kelly pitched only five innings and reached 98 pitches due to four walks, despite allowing just one hit and one earned run. He has failed to complete the sixth inning in eight starts this season and has gone under the 17.5 outs mark in four of his last five home games.