Brutal Merrill Kelly Outing Comes at Unfortunate Time for D-backs

This was ugly.

Aug 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly appeared to have turned a corner with his successful month of July, but some familiar issues arose during his ugly start against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday afternoon.

Kelly had posted a 2.82 ERA over the course of his previous seven starts. He pitched to a sparkling 1.95 ERA over his five starts in the month of July.

Meanwhile, Kelly's most recent start against Colorado was his first career complete game — in Coors Field, no less.

Unfortunately for both Kelly and the Diamondbacks, that all went by the wayside Wednesday, against a Rockies club that, while weak, can certainly produce some offense when needed.

Merrill Kelly knocked around by Rockies

Jul 29, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) throws in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kelly's usually-sharp, pinpoint command has been a strength for his entire career. But he's still searching for that same level of consistency in 2026.

That was what bit him again on Wednesday. Kelly was able to muscle his way through five innings, but was bit for a pair of home runs, leading to six earned on his eventual line. Kelly gave up six base hits, but it was even more discouraging to see him issue three bases on balls.

Kelly threw just 71 pitches. That was his lowest total of the entire season, despite having to ramp back up from an early-season injury in April. He was simply not able to put his arsenal in favorablle locations.

Kelly landed just 42 of those pitches for strikes, which adds up to roughly a 59% strike rate. His misses were quite wide of the zone, and his mistake pitches were hit hard. Kelly allowed 11 balls considered hard-hit (95-plus MPH off the bat) and seven of those went norht of 100 MPH.

This was not a must-win game, nor was this series against the a bottom-feeding Rockies club a must-win series. It is discouraging to see this type of performance by both Kelly and a lackluster Arizona offense, however, and it certainly could affect the D-backs' playoff hopes to some degree.

But the truth is, the D-backs need Kelly's command to get back to its former level sooner than later. His 5.11 ERA is now the third-worst among qualified MLB starters. As much as he's had some success in the middle portion of the season, Kelly's trademark asset has been his consistency.

But consistency might be the one thing the veteran right-hander cannot write on his 2026 resume.