Kelly will likely claim a spot in the Diamondbacks' rotation after Mike Leake announced he will forgo playing in 2020, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.
Leake had a spot in the rotation with the only issue of uncertainty being the wrist injury he suffered prior to spring training. The right-handed Kelly initially worked as a reliever during the spring but also prepared in case Leake wasn't ready for the original Opening Day. That preparation became moot as the pandemic-fueled delay gave Leake enough time to heal from his injury. Others lining up for the rotation behind Kelly are lefty Alex Young and righties Jon Duplantier and Taylor Clarke.