Arizona Diamondbacks: Merrill Kelly to be pulled from rotation
By Matthew C
Tough news for one Arizona Diamondback pitcher. Merrill Kelly could be heading to the bullpen soon, despite being considered the staple of the Arizona Diamondbacks’.
It could mean the end of a starting job for one right-handed pitcher on the Arizona Diamondbacks. After having a horrible start and being hammered by the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, Merrill Kelly could be pulled from their starting rotation.
After the game in which Kelly lasted just 4,1 innings, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovuello wasn’t sure if Kelly would get the ball to start a game again this season, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
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The thirty-year-old right-hander has posted a 9-13 record with a 4.86 ERA in 26 games this season. The month of August hasn’t been his strongest – posting a 6.86 ERA in August in four games. He has had two starts in which he allowed six runs. He has yet to go more than six innings pitched this month. In July, he was winless after five starts and struck out just twenty-one batters.
The Arizona Diamondbacks rotation currently consists of Alex Young, Mike Leake, Zac Gallen, and Taylor Clark with Merrill Kelly leading the five-man rotation. Robbie Ray has been out since August 15th with back spasms.
It seems as if the Diamondbacks, who are playing below .500 yet still second place in the Dodger-leading National League West, rotation has been falling apart since they traded Zach Greinke to the Houston Astros.
If Merrill Kelly were to be taken out of the rotation and placed in the bullpen, his spot could be easily be replaced by Robbie Ray who is nearing his return. Robbie Ray, who is a proven veteran starter, can be placed in the first spot of the rotation without Merrill Kelly having to make another start
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With Archie Bradley the closer, the Diamondbacks have a pretty stellar bullpen. One thing is for certain – if Merrill Kelly is heading to the pen, it’ll be a ‘Call to the Pen’.