37-Year-Old Kelly Earns Historic Opening Day Nod

For the first time in his major league career, Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly will take the mound on opening day. At 37 years old, Kelly becomes the 13th different player to be named the Diamondbacks' opening day starter. Manager Torey Lovullo announced the decision early this spring.

Kelly expressed profound honor and humility, stating, "I'm honored, I'm humbled." He highlighted the significance of being the one to start the season and expressed gratitude for the organization that first gave him a chance to be a big-leaguer and has continued to believe in him.

This opportunity holds particular meaning for Kelly, who grew up in the area. He recalled his own first opening day experience as a player at Dodger Stadium, watching Hyun-Jin Ryu pitch. He described the moment of realizing he was a big-leaguer as impactful and finds it "pretty cool" to have his first opening day start in Los Angeles.

The decision to name Kelly the starter came shortly after Zac Gallen, who had started the previous two opening days for Arizona, re-signed with the team. Gallen expressed his full support for Kelly, stating, "I think Merrill deserves it fully. I was happy that he got it."