Manager Torey Lovullo indicated a Six-man rotation had not been discussed, and the decision to add Kelly comes with questions about roster moves. With Kelly slated to return, the Diamondbacks must determine who will be demoted or moved from the 26-man roster, as they evaluate options to maintain depth while preserving rotation stability.
Brandon Pfaadt is the most likely candidate to be reassigned or moved to the bullpen, given a rough start to the season (a 5.94 ERA over three starts) and concerning underlying metrics. Pfaadt previously emerged as a postseason contributor, but his early 2026 performance has raised questions about his role as the team adds Kelly back to the rotation.
Arizona’s current rotation has been a strength early in 2026, led by Eduardo RodrÃguez, Michael Soroka, and Zac Gallen, who have delivered solid results. RodrÃguez has been particularly standout, posting a 0.50 ERA over three starts. With Kelly’s return, the Diamondbacks’ depth is tested as they balance performance with long-term development.
If the club reduces the rotation size or reshuffles personnel, the bullpen could also see changes, especially with Corbin Burnes’ upcoming return from the 60-day IL potentially impacting bullpen usage. The Diamondbacks remain in a favorable position in the early season, but how they adjust to Kelly’s return will shape the broader rotation and roster decisions moving forward.
