Merrill Kelly Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Kenneth Merrill Kelly
Born 10/14/1988 in Houston, TX
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 202 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Arizona State
Debut 04/01/2019
Drafted in the 8th round (251st overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010 (signed for $125,000).

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Righthander Kelly gets results, but does it with a lot of funk and deception. He sinks an average fastball that touches 92 mph, and he throws it for strikes. But he's rigid with an "iron Mike" delivery, and as one scout put it, "You just don't see guys pitch like that in the big leagues." Kelly mixes in a breaking ball, but it's his above-average changeup that is his second-best pitch. Because of his mechanical issues, he profiles better as a reliever in pro ball.

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Track Record: After two years at Yavapai (Ariz.) JC and one at Arizona State, Kelly climbed steadily through the Rays system, posting strong numbers for Triple-A Durham in 2014. Trouble was, he was buried in a pitching-rich organization. Believing his best bet would be to get out of the Rays' control, he headed to Korea, expecting to be there for one or two years before returning home. He stayed for four. After helping SK Wyverns win a Korea Baseball Organization championship in 2018, he signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the D-backs in December.

Scouting Report: Kelly, who twice ranked in the KBO's top 10 in ERA, has the makings of a No. 5 starter. He has a five-pitch mix, starting with a fastball that sits 92-93 mph and can touch 97. His velocity is up from his days with the Rays, when he sat 88-90 mph. Scouts see his hard, tight curveball as his best secondary pitch, followed by his changeup. He also throws a slider and a cutter. He has above-average control and average command.

The Future: Unlike most pitchers who leave for Asia, Kelly has never pitched in the majors. He'll get a chance to compete for a rotation spot with the Diamondbacks this spring.

Arizona Diamondbacks activated RHP Merrill Kelly from the 60-day injured list.
Arizona Diamondbacks sent RHP Merrill Kelly on a rehab assignment to Hillsboro Hops.
Arizona Diamondbacks sent RHP Merrill Kelly on a rehab assignment to Hillsboro Hops.
Arizona Diamondbacks transferred RHP Merrill Kelly from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. Right shoulder strain.
Arizona Diamondbacks placed RHP Merrill Kelly on the 15-day injured list retroactive to April 20, 2024. Right shoulder strain.
Arizona Diamondbacks activated RHP Merrill Kelly from the 15-day injured list.
Arizona Diamondbacks placed RHP Merrill Kelly on the 15-day injured list retroactive to June 25, 2023. Right calf inflammation.
United States activated RHP Merrill Kelly.