Merrill Kelly

Merrill Kelly (2-1) allowed one run on six hits and struck out four over six innings Saturday against the Padres, earning the win.

Fantasy Impact

Kelly outperformed Chris Paddack to earn the win Saturday. Kelly's only mistake came early; a solo shot to Fernando Tatis in the first inning. Kelly has pitched to a 2.29 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts in 19.2 innings this season. He lines up to pitch against the Padres again next on Friday.

Merrill Kelly (1-1) allowed three runs on nine hits over six innings Sunday against the Dodgers. He struck out four batters in the loss.

Fantasy Impact

Kelly was greeted with a Cody Bellinger two-run homer in the first, followed by a Mookie Betts solo shot in the fifth. Kelly has a 2.63 ERA in 13.2 innings to start 2020. He'll take on the Padres next.

Merrill Kelly (1-0) picked up the win Tuesday against the Rangers, allowing one run on three hits and one walk in 7.2 innings. He struck out seven.

Fantasy Impact

Kelly took a no-hitter into the seventh, only to have it broken up by a Rougned Odor solo homer. Regardless, Kelly likely solidified his spot in the Diamondbacks' rotation. His next start will come either Sunday or Monday.

Merrill Kelly was officially tabbed as the Diamondbacks fifth starter per the team.

Fantasy Impact

This move comes as no surprise as veteran Mike Leake opted not to participate in the shortened 2020 season back in late June. Kelly was originally slated for a reliever role but will have a chance to start every fifth day in his second season in Arizona. Over 32 starts in 2019 he logged a 13-14 record, 4.42 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 158 punch-outs across 183.1 innings. Unless you're in desperate need of a starter he can safely be left on the waiver wire.

Merrill Kelly will likely seize the No. 5 starter's slot in Arizona after teammate Mike Leake announced that he will not be participating in the 2020 season.

Fantasy Impact

Kelly initially worked as a reliever in Spring Training, but was seen as next in line for the rotation should a Diamondbacks' starter not be physically ready for Opening Day. Now, Kelly is firmly poised to take on starting duties in the shortened 2020 season.