Diamondbacks player Merrill Kelly not worried despite early exit

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks took steps last season to prevent cramping for pitcher Merrill Kelly, a plan that allowed the right-hander to play a key role in their run to the World Series.

A cramp in his right thigh derailed Kelly's start in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, but neither the Diamondbacks nor the right-hander are overly concerned.

“We've stuck to that (routine) pretty closely this year and I think that's one of the reasons it's so frustrating,” Kelly said. “That's kind of been the motto: I don't feel anything and it's going to hit me out of nowhere.”

Kelly got off to a solid start against the Rangers, allowing two runs in the first four innings. After a leadoff walk, Kelly flinched at a pitch to Marcus Semien with no outs in the fifth inning.

The right-hander leaned forward to stretch his hamstring when Arizona athletic trainer and manager Torey Lovullo visited him on the mound. Lovullo made a quick decision to take Kelly out of the game, especially with the Diamondbacks on their way to a 14-4 victory.

“I hate that we have to take them off the field, and I made the decision on the field,” Lovullo said. “But I think that's his track record; he speaks his mind. We did everything we could to help him.”

Kelly struggled with cramps in several games last season, particularly at Chase Field, which has a retractable roof but gets hot on the field even when closed.

Kelly worked with the Diamondbacks' medical staff and nutritionist to prevent further cramping problems, and it worked out well. The right-hander played a key role in Arizona's late-season run to the playoffs and all the way to the World Series.

With Arizona in a tight race for the NL playoffs, Kelly's recent bout of cramping could pose a major problem, but the Diamondbacks know they have a plan that has worked before. Kelly is not expected to miss his next start.

“Like every time I've had cramps, I have no concerns about competing next time,” Kelly said. “I'm just doing my best to keep hydrated. Obviously we'll talk to the training staff and our doctors and look at a few more sites and see what comes out of that.”

Kelly returned from the 60-day injured list on August 11 due to inflammation in his right shoulder and had a 4-0 record before his start against Texas.