May 5, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander
Merrill Kelly (hamstring) is listed as the team's probably pitcher for Wednesday's contest against the visiting New York Mets. Kelly was forced to leave his last start early on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies due to more cramping in his right hamstring, but he's recovered nicely since and will be able to take his next turn in Arizona's starting rotation. However, in a tough matchup against the Mets, fantasy managers should be thinking twice about using Kelly after he's dealt with cramping in two of his last three appearances. Overall, the 36-year-old veteran has pitched well for Arizona and fantasy managers, though, going 3-1 with a 4.06 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 27 punchouts and 12 walks in 37 2/3 innings over his seven starts. Kelly still managed to go five innings against the Phillies last week and allowed just one earned run for a no-decision.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
May 3, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Merrill Kelly is still dealing with cramping issues. The right-hander was removed from Friday's start due to cramping in his right hamstring. Kelly has dealt with this issue for several seasons. After the game, the 36-year-old said, "We've tried all kinds of things. We've done all kinds of labs, all kinds of hydration stuff. If I had a good answer for you guys, I'd stop cramping." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status over the next few days in case the team decides to push his next scheduled start back. Through his first 37 2/3 innings of work this season, Kelly has posted a 4.06 ERA with a strong 1.06 WHIP. He has struck out just 27 batters. If he were to miss time,
Ryne Nelson could be moved to the rotation, as he is currently deployed as a long relief option out of the bullpen.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Steve Gilbert
May 2, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Merrill Kelly (undisclosed) was unable to make it through his full start during Friday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The right-hander was pulled out of the contest ahead of the sixth inning. Kelly went to warm up for the inning, but reportedly experienced some cramping, so he exited with the trainer. Before that, Kelly was sharp as he allowed only one run across five innings of work. There should be another update on his status shortly. If he's fine, Kelly will make his next start against the New York Mets next week.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Arizona Sports
April 25, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander
Merrill Kelly (leg) has been cleared to toe the rubber on Saturday against the visiting Atlanta Braves at Chase Field. Cramping in Kelly's right leg caused him to be lifted in the sixth inning of his last start on Easter Sunday in Chicago against the Cubs, but he's been cleared to take his next turn through the D-backs' starting rotation this weekend in a plus matchup against a struggling Braves offense. The 36-year-old veteran pitcher allowed a whopping nine earned runs in 3 2/3 innings of work in his second start of the year on April 3 at the New York Yankees, but since that rough outing, he's bounced back nicely. He has allowed four earned runs while walking four and fanning 18 in 17 2/3 innings in his last three starts and will look to keep that going on Saturday. Fantasy managers should reinsert Kelly into their starting lineups this weekend.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
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