Dbacks notes and recap

Kelly (back) said Sunday that he’s optimistic he’ll avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the regular season, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Kelly is no longer in line to start Opening Day versus the Dodgers, but he could be ready to pitch in Arizona’s second series of the season at home versus Detroit, which runs March 30-April 1. The right-hander was shut down one week ago after experiencing mid-back tightness but has seemingly responded well since receiving a cortisone shot. He was able to play catch Sunday without issue and could gradually increase the distance and intensity of his throwing sessions during the upcoming week.

Dubin (elbow) struck out one batter and allowed two earned runs on two hits over an inning of relief Thursday in the Diamondbacks‘ 13-10 Cactus League win over the Royals.

Dubin appears to be fully healthy after spending the final two weeks of 2025 on the Orioles’ injured list due to right elbow discomfort. He signed a minor-league deal with Arizona in December and is competing for a spot in the Diamondbacks’ bullpen. Between his stops with Houston and Baltimore last season, Dubin posted a 5.08 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 28:11 K:BB in 33.2 innings.

Holman (finger) is scheduled to make a relief appearance Tuesday in the Diamondbacks‘ exhibition against Team Mexico, SI.com reports.

Holman didn’t pitch after June 11 last season while battling rotator cuff tendinitis in his right shoulder as well as a right middle finger strain, but he’s seemingly 100 percent healthy. Arizona claimed the right-hander off waivers from the Athletics earlier this month and could give Holman a look as a middle reliever.

Loaisiga (elbow) struck out a batter and allowed one earned run on two hits and one walk over one inning of relief Saturday in the Diamondbacks‘ 8-5 Cactus League win over the Angels.

The 31-year-old made his first appearance of the spring Saturday and looks to be healthy again after a right elbow flexor strain limited him to just 29.2 innings with the Yankees in 2025. Loaisiga joined the Diamondbacks on a minor-league deal this winter but should have a good chance at claiming a spot in an unsettled Arizona bullpen, and potentially even high-leverage duty, if he can emerge from camp healthy.

Crisantes (shoulder) is expected to start playing soon once he’s fully cleared, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Crisantes suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in May of 2025 and was limited to 34 games at High-A Hillsboro. The 21-year-old infielder could be in line for regular opportunities over the next two weeks with Ketel Marte (Dominican Republic) and Nolan Arenado (Puerto Rico) heading to the World Baseball Classic this week.