D-backs RHP Merrill Kelly (shoulder) returns to start out vs. Phillies

The Arizona Diamondbacks activated standout right-hander Merrill Kelly on Sunday to start the afternoon game against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies.

Kelly has been sidelined nearly four months due to a right shoulder strain. He is 2-0 with a 2.19 ERA in four starts this season with his last outing coming on April 15.

Kelly made a rehab start for Single-A Hillsboro on Tuesday and gave up three runs and six hits over four innings. He threw 62 pitches.

“Really happy for Merrill, knowing how hard he’s been working to make this day happen,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told reporters.

The 35-year-old Kelly stood out during Arizona’s run to the World last season and went 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 24 postseason innings. He shut down the Texas Rangers on one run and three hits over seven innings in Game 2 for Arizona’s lone win in the World Series.

Kelly also was the winning pitcher in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series against the Phillies. Arizona won that game 5-1 to even the series and then emerged victorious in Game 7 to finish off the major upset of Philadelphia.

Kelly went 12-8 last season with a 3.29 ERA in 30 regular-seasons starts. He is 50-43 with a 3.75 ERA in 131 starts since joining Arizona in 2019.

Arizona designated right-hander Humberto Castellanos for assignment to open up a 40-man roster spot. Also, right-hander Scott McGough was optioned to Triple-A Reno following Saturday’s game.

Castellanos, 26, is 0-0 with a 5.23 ERA in seven relief appearances for Arizona this season. McGough, 34, is 1-3 with a 6.83 ERA in 23 appearances (two starts).

–Field Level Media