Merrill Kelly to Make First Cactus League Start Today vs. Cubs
Merrill "The Mainstay" Kelly takes the mound in a game setting for the first time in 2024, as the Diamondbacks take on the Chicago Cubs today at Salt River Fields. Both he and Zac Gallen have slowly phased in camp, due to the heavy workloads both pitchers handled at the end of the regular season and postseason. Kelly is coming off back-to-back seasons of 33 starts and 200 innings, while also entering his Age 35 season.
The plan for Kelly is to stretch him out to three innings/45 pitches like with Zac Gallen yesterday. With him in the fold, the D-backs will have all their starting pitching candidates fully participating in Cactus League games.
Kevin Ginkel is also expected to make his spring debut today. The 29-year-old right-hander broke out in the second half of 2023, emerging as a key piece in the back of the D-backs bullpen. Ginkel has been slowed this spring with a sore elbow. He threw a live bullpen on Tuesday. The other scheduled pitchers for the day include LHP Logan Allen, RHP Miguel Castro, and RHP Paul Sewald.
Sewald in particular will be one to watch, for both the development of his changeup and significant decline in fastball velocity in his first spring outing. His fastball, which averaged 92 MPH last season, came in the 88-89 range in his first two spring outings. It's not a primary concern, but if he has to put more effort in keeping up his velocity it could affect his command down the road.
Lineups and Notes
D-backs vs. Cubs Lineups: March 8, 2024
Michael McDermott
The lineup does not include Alek Thomas, with Corbin Carroll getting the start in center and Jake McCarthy in right field.
Christian Walker is out of the lineup after returning to game action yesterday. Walker was 1-for-2 with a double on a ground ball that was mishandled by Rangers 3B Matt Duffy.
Seven of Arizona's nine projected Opening Day starters are in today's lineup, as the focus shifts on getting the team ready to play on March 28th.
