Arizona Diamondbacks: Merrill Kelly – the argument for the universal DH

Since returning stateside after a stint in the Korean Baseball Organization, Merrill Kelly has established himself as a solid back of the rotation arm for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He may not be the type of pitcher that can ever lead a rotation, but for a three year, $9.25 million contract, he has been a bargain for the Diamondbacks.

Just do not expect Kelly to contribute anything at all with the bat. With his 0-2 performance on Sunday, he now has the lowest batting average of any player in MLB history with at least 50 at bats.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly – the argument for the universal DH

Those who argue for the universal designated hitter point to the idea that no one wants to see pitchers flailing away in the batter’s box. The sacrifice bunt is boring they claim, with the pitcher being far more likely to be a guaranteed out instead of an actual threat in the lineup. Essentially, Merrill Kelly is the stereotype of that pitcher.

It is easy to understand why. Kelly has posted a .015/.045/.015 batting line over his 73 plate appearances, drawing two walks while striking out 30 times. Ironically, his one hit, a two run single on July 23, accounted for both runs that the Diamondbacks scored that day in their 7-2 loss.

With that futile day at the plate, Kelly has surpassed Fred Gladding as the worst hitter with at least 50 at bats. Gladding also had just one hit in his career, marking the only time he was ever on base as he posted a .016/.016/.016 batting line, striking out 40 times in 68 plate appearances. A solid reliever in his day, Gladding led the league with 29 saves in 1969 as the Astros closer.

Now Gladding is no longer the poster boy for futility in the batter’s box. That crown belongs to Kelly, at least until the day comes that he gets another hit. However, he may not have much more time to get that hit, as the universal DH is getting ever closer to becoming a reality.

Merrill Kelly is officially the worst hitter with at least 50 at bats in major league history. The Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher is the argument for the universal DH.