​Arizona Sports: Merrill Kelly Looks Like He’s Turning a Corner as Diamondbacks Grab a Series-Opening Tie with Padres
Merrill Kelly got off to a rough start on Thursday, needing 35 pitches to navigate through two innings, yet he managed to quiet several jams and delivered his best outing since his first career complete game against the Colorado Rockies on May 15. After surrendering a solo homer to Manny Machado on the very first pitch of the second frame, Kelly settled in, posting three consecutive 1-2-3 innings. He struck out five San Diego batters and allowed only two hits, continuing a strong stretch of work for the D-backs on the mound.
D-backs DFA Pavin Smith, Recall Ryan Waldschmidt in Surprise Move
In a surprising organizational shift, the Arizona Diamondbacks are designating first baseman and designated hitter Pavin Smith for assignment. This comes as part of a broader reshuffle, with top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt being recalled from Triple-A Reno to fill a roster spot. Smith has endured a difficult 2026 season, failing to find a consistent rhythm at the plate. He went 0-for-1 in the Diamondbacks’ 3-1 win over the Padres at Petco Park, a game that secured a split of the four-game series, but he had not been able to get going offensively, finishing the year’s action at just .141 with 11 hits in 78 at-bats and two extra-base hits across 28 games. His struggles have been a contributing factor to Arizona’s recent offensive slump, which has been one of the more pronounced drops in production at first base this season.
The 2026 MLB Draft, Home Run Derby and All-Star Game are on the horizon, with attention turning toward Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park as All-Star festivities approach. Yet the trade deadline is fast approaching, now less than a month away on Aug. 3, and the league remains abuzz with questions about who will buy, who will sell, and how rosters will shift in the weeks ahead.
Looking ahead, MLB’s trade season is set to feature major questions: Which teams will part with veteran pieces, which clubs will make splashy additions, and how will contending rosters adjust in the late stages of the schedule? As the deadline nears, observers will be watching for the continued impact of early-season decisions, the evolving roles of young players, and the strategic moves teams undertake to position themselves for the stretch run.
Valencia Makes Dream Debut, Becomes 10th Tiger to Hom­er in First MLB At-Bat
From a moment of doubt to one of triumph, Valencia shared a story of perseverance. “Ten years ago, I didn’t think I was going to sign,” he said through tears. “Five years ago, I thought my career might be over after Tommy John surgery, after hamstrings, after surgery on my hand. Thank God.” The drive to reach a moment like Thursday’s kept him going, and when his seventh-inning blast off Athletics reliever Hogan Harris cleared the fence in Comerica Park’s deepest part, barely eluding center fielder Henry Bolte’s glove, it felt larger than life. The homer capped a milestone moment as Valencia became the 10th Tiger to homer in his first major league at-bat, a tribute to the persistence that has defined his journey.