Diamondbacks updates: Merrill Kelly to undergo MRI to gauge progress on injury
LOS ANGELES — Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly is scheduled to undergo imaging this week to see how the healing process is going on his right shoulder, manager Torey Lovullo said.
If the MRI shows enough progress, it is possible Kelly could begin a throwing program in the coming days, Lovullo said.
Kelly has not pitched since April 15. He was scratched from a start in San Francisco and diagnosed with a teres major strain. He is on the 60-day injured list.
Once Kelly begins throwing, he would still be at least a month away from returning from the injured list.
Diamondbacks call up pitcher to start vs. Dodgers on Wednesday
LOS ANGELES — The Diamondbacks optioned right-hander Slade Cecconi on Wednesday and recalled left-handed reliever Brandon Hughes, whom they immediately announced as the starting pitcher for Wednesday night’s series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Right-hander Ryne Nelson, who had been scheduled to start, will instead be available in relief, following the same script as Cecconi, who entered Monday night’s series opener in relief of opener Joe Mantiply.
The logic is the same for Hughes/Nelson as it was for Mantiply/Cecconi: By going with a lefty at the start of the game, the Diamondbacks give Dodgers sluggers Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman a tougher matchup and set up their bulk innings pitcher to face the top of the Dodgers lineup one fewer time.
Hughes has made three appearances for the Diamondbacks this season, allowing four earned runs in 2 2/3 innings. All of the damage he allowed came in a May 4 outing vs. the San Diego Padres. He allowed one run in five innings with Triple-A Reno after being sent down following the Padres outing.
In theory, Nelson could get through five innings and only have to face Mookie Betts, Ohtani and Freeman once, or through six or more while only facing them twice.
The move to option Cecconi means the Diamondbacks have an opening in their starting rotation. More than likely, the top candidates to fill the spot are Triple-A left-handers Tommy Henry and Blake Walston.
That spot in the rotation comes up next on Sunday against the Marlins, though with off days on Thursday and Monday, the Diamondbacks could rearrange things to their liking. They do not technically need a No. 5 starter until June 1, though they often prefer to give their starters extra rest when possible.
Coming up
Thursday: Off.
Friday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (5-3, 3.02) vs. Marlins LHP Braxton Garrett (0-0, 10.24).
Saturday: At Chase Field, 7:10 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Jordan Montgomery (2-2, 4.98) vs. Marlins RHP Sixto Sanchez (0-2, 6.41).
Sunday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks TBA vs. Marlins LHP Ryan Weathers (2-4, 3.49).
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks updates: Merrill Kelly to undergo MRI to gauge progress
