Diamondbacks Fight for Playoff Lives Behind Merrill Kelly

Arizona is in another must-win game versus the Colorado Rockies

Jul 9, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) delivers during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It's been a difficult year for Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly. Previously earning the nickname "Merrill the Mainstay" due to his consistency, 2026 has been anything but.

Merrill Kelly's Winding Journey in 2026

May 15, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

His season began with a nerve/lower back injury and an IL stint. He returned after an abbreviated rehab stint to post some very alarming numbers to start the season in his first four starts. He settled down somewhat after that. That included his first ever complete game, which came against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

Now Kelly returns to Coors field Wednesday night, September 23 to face the Rockies in a must-win game with a 9-14 record and 5.00 ERA.

He'll be opposed by the Rockies' Mason Adams, a rookie making his sixth Major League start. He's 0-1 with a 5.09 ERA in 23 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 13th round of the 2022 draft. He was traded to Colorado just this past trade deadline for Brenton Doyle.

D-backs Lineup

Same mindset. pic.twitter.com/yp7r5F0LCR

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 23, 2026

The Diamondbacks are going with their left-hand batter heavy lineup against Adams, featuring Lars Nootbaar in left and leading off. Pavin Smith is back in the lineup at first base, and Jesus Sanchez is the DH.

Also notable is the fact that Tim Tawa continues to be chosen over Jordan Lawlar to get starts in center field versus right-hand pitching.

Playoff Picture

Aug 3, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) throws against there San Diego Padres in the second inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Diamondbacks have two extremely narrow, but potential pathways to reach the Postseason. with five games remaining, (two versus Colorado and three versus the Padres). That begins with Wednesday and Thursday games in Colorado of course. They must take care of business and sweep this series to have any chance at all.

The D-backs trail both the Phillies and Padres by four games. Arizona's Wild Card Elimination number versus the Philadelphia Phillies is 2, meaning any combination of Phillies wins and D-backs losses totaling two would eliminate any chance for the D-backs to catch the Phillies.

The second is versus the Padres, against whom their elimination number is also two. It's the same, any combination of D-backs losses and Padres wins equaling two means the D-backs can no longer catch the Padres.

There is an intriguing scenario whereby if the D-backs can somehow pick up one game on the Padres, and hold that space, or even get to two games back of San Diego, that would make it possible to beat the Padres head-to-head to get into the dance.

But in either case, whether two games back or three games back, the D-backs would have to sweep in San Diego over the weekend. Friday night's starter lines up to be Brandon Pfaadt, although that is not yet official.