D-backs optimistic Carroll, Kelly will begin season on Opening Day roster

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Diamondbacks got good news about a pair of high-profile players when outfielder Corbin Carroll and right-hander Merrill Kelly each took steps forward in their return from injuries Friday, increasing the chances that both could open the season on the active roster.

Carroll, who suffered a broken right hamate bone on Feb. 10 while taking a swing during a live batting practice session, had surgery to remove the bone the next day. A day later, he was back in camp working on his throwing (it was his non-throwing hand that was injured) and strength training.

Diamondbacks officials all along felt that Carroll would be ready in time for the March 26 opener because of his quick healing ability and tremendous work ethic.

For a while, Carroll worked on hitting with just his left hand before moving onto hitting with both hands off a tee and flips. Then there was hitting off soft overhand pitching, a pitching machine and finally Friday he took three at-bats in a live batting practice situation.

"Felt pretty good," Carroll said afterwards. "Felt solid. No pain just kind of working back in with the normal defense group in the morning. Do all the drills, get in game shape. I’m just going along with how it feels. Taking it a day at a time, listening to my body and it feels fine. Keep moving that way."

Carroll being ready to go on Opening Day would obviously be a huge boost for Arizona's offense and would be a testament to the work that he has put in.

"He's a machine," Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said.

Carroll will probably have a few more live batting practice sessions, but a Cactus League appearance could be in the works sooner than later.

"It was just our plan," Carroll said of the quick progression. "Just kind of moving along with the steps to getting back to playing. Hopefully get a couple Spring Training games in. I think that’s definitely the plan."

Carroll said he was planning on getting into 10 Cactus League games before Opening Day and that would seem to indicate he could be in one soon.

"Yeah," he said. "That’s the plan."

Kelly, meanwhile, threw a bullpen session Thursday as he progresses through a back issue that has kept him out of Cactus League action.

Lovullo had named Kelly as his Opening Day starter early in camp, but the back issue he experienced warming up for a live batting practice session Feb. 21 nixed his readiness for that game and it seemed he would have to open the year on the injured list.

But, after throwing 26 pitches Thursday and feeling no discomfort Friday, Kelly may very well be able to open the season on the active roster and pitch at the backend of the rotation.

Time will tell on both Carroll and Kelly, but their progress has injected a great deal of optimism in the organization.

"Impressed with where Merrill is and Corbin is," Lovullo said. "They're pushing the envelope the best they can."