With Merrill Kelly back, Diamondbacks fans debate next move in rotation

Apr 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) celebrates with his team after beating the Atlanta Braves 2-1 at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images

PHOENIX — With Merrill Kelly’s anticipated return from the injured list this week, Arizona Diamondbacks fans have been predicting how the club will handle the starting rotation.

According to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, Kelly will make his season debut Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles, giving Arizona six starting pitchers to work with. However, manager Torey Lovullo revealed that a six-man rotation hasn’t been discussed.

The central theme among fans is health. With Kelly nearing a return as other pitchers also work through their own injuries, there’s hope that the Diamondbacks rotation could be a strength rather than a question mark.

Apr 10, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Michael Soroka (34) stands on the mound with runners on base against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

“The key as always is to stay healthy,” Charles Francis Foran writes. “To have [Corbin] Burnes and Kelly back is huge.”

From there, opinions vary widely.

Some fans still believe Lovullo could temporarily use a six-man rotation, allowing pitchers to adjust and preserve arms. Others pushed the idea further with a seven-man rotation once Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes makes his return — but that proposal drew skepticism given bullpen concerns.

Apr 8, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson (19) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

“Not a great idea,” writes Dave Conti. “Bullpen is the problem.”

The most debated name is Brandon Pfaadt, with some fans suggesting the right-hander could be optioned to Triple-A Reno to stay stretched out. So far this season, Pfaadt has posted the highest ERA among Diamondbacks starters (5.94) and a 1.38 WHIP.

“Hard to believe none of our starters have been horrible though right now,” writes Tim Painter. “Pfaadt has been barely mediocre.”

Apr 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Others countered that the D-Backs cannot afford to send a strong arm like Pfaadt’s down, but rather should use him to help the bullpen — something that has been a concern for the past few years.

That split highlights the decision Lovullo faces: maintaining rotation depth while choosing what will work best for the team at the moment.

Mar 18, 2026; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) throws against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

As Arizona finishes its series in Philadelphia and heads to Baltimore, the conversation will now turn to the final decision that will be made as Kelly returns.

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde

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