Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll, Merrill Kelly expected to play spring training games this week

SCOTTSDALE — The Arizona Diamondbacks have targeted this week for outfielder Corbin Carroll and starting pitcher Merrill Kelly to make their respective 2026 debuts in spring training, manager Torey Lovullo said on Monday.

Carroll (broken hamate bone) will continue to take at-bats on the backfields at Salt River Fields over the next couple of days before stepping into the lineup later this week.

“It’ll all be based on and contingent on the response and some of the feeling that he has through the course of his swings here on the backfields,” Lovullo said.

Carroll said last week he wanted to start playing games soon to prepare for Opening Day.

Kelly (intercostal nerve irritation) threw a live batting practice session on Sunday, which he came out of feeling well, Lovullo said. He will throw a bullpen next and start a Cactus League game, where he is expected to get one inning of work. Lovullo said he was not sure if that would be on Friday or Saturday.

The Diamondbacks have a night game on Friday in Surprise followed by a day game in Scottsdale at the San Francisco Giants on Saturday. Arizona is home at Salt River Fields on Wednesday (Athletics) and Thursday (Rockies).

Kelly will not pitch on Opening Day as was previously planned but is working toward being available for the back end of the rotation out of spring training. Arizona has yet to name its Opening Day starter.

Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen tosses 3 perfect innings

D-backs starter Zac Gallen retired all nine batters he faced with three strikeouts on Monday against the Seattle Mariners. It was his third outing this spring, and he has not allowed an earned run in six innings so far.

Gallen’s fastball continued to tick up at 94.4 mph (93.5 mph in 2025), while he delivered a heavy sum of breaking balls to find a feel.

“Just another outing of seeing where the stuff’s at,” Gallen said. “The curveball was still just coming along a little slower than maybe some of the other pitches. But still was able to land it for strikes when I wanted to. Just trying to get that next level, getting it on top of home plate late in the count. I think all-in-all so far of the three (starts), it’s probably the best one.”

Diamondbacks bring in motivational speaker

Spring training is typically a good time to bring in guest speakers, and the Diamondbacks hosted author Jon Gordon to talk to the clubhouse on Monday.

“He talked about being a good team, what forms and shapes a good team and then took some great questions, so, it’s top-shelf stuff,” Lovullo said. 

Brandon Pfaadt pitching Tuesday

The D-backs listed Brandon Pfaadt as Tuesday’s starting pitcher versus the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. Tyler Glasnow will pitch for L.A.

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