Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly scratched from start vs. Giants

Field Level Media|published: 04/21/2024, 2:19pm EDT

Apr 15, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Chase Field. All players wore number 42 to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day. credits: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly was scratched from his start Sunday against the host San Francisco Giants.

The Diamondbacks did not divulge a reason for the move involving Kelly, who is 2-0 with a 2.19 ERA in four starts this season.

Right-hander Slade Cecconi will start the game and make his season debut after being recalled from Triple-A Reno earlier Sunday.

Cecconi, 24, posted a 2-2 record with a 4.58 ERA in four starts with Reno. He went 0-1 with a 4.33 ERA in seven games (four starts) last season with Arizona.

Also on Sunday, the Diamondbacks optioned right-hander Justin Martinez to Reno.

Martinez, 22, contributed three scoreless innings over two relief appearances this season.

—Field Level Media