Merrill Kelly (back) to begin season on IL - Merrill Kelly News

Kelly has been limited to only two appearances this spring due to back pain, with the first of those not coming until March 13. The plan is for the veteran righty to continue working up to full strength in the early portion of the season. After being traded to Texas at last year's July deadline, Kelly returned to the Diamondbacks on a free-agent deal this past December. Brandon Pfaadt and Michael Soroka will begin the season in the Arizona rotation.