Merrill Kelly Set for Cactus League Debut Friday

Merrill Kelly (back) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Friday against the Royals. The right-hander has been behind schedule due to mid-back tightness that surfaced in late February. While the Diamondbacks have already ruled him out for Opening Day, Kelly is expected to avoid the injured list and could potentially make his first start during the team's second series of the 2026 season.