The Diamondbacks suffered an injury scare during their game against the Brewers this evening when right-hander walked off the mound after five innings due to what Arizona bra s later indicated was a bout of cramping in his right calf. As noted by , thats the second time in three starts that Kelly has exited early due to a cramping i sue, after he departed his start on the 11th after just four innings due to cramping in his right hamstring. Cramping doesnt seem to be an immediately concerning injury for the 35-year-old veteran to be suffering from but the fact that Kelly has had two starts cut short due to the i sue, both of which involved his lower right leg, in such short order is somewhat worrisome for a Diamondbacks club that both has its eyes on a second consecutive postseason run and has not yet clinched its spot in the playoffs. After an excellent 2023 season where he pitched to a 3.29 ERA and 3.85 FIP in 30 regular season starts before dominating with a 2.25 ERA in four starts during the clubs pennant-winning playoff run, Kelly got off to a similarly strong start early this year with a 2.19 ERA and 3.78 FIP through Amida Brimah Jersey the middle of April, but was promptly sidelined by a teres major strain that wound up keeping him on the shelf for the majority of the season. The right-hander finally returned to action last month but hasnt been nearly as succe sful since returning from injury. In seven starts spanning 38 1/3 innings of work prior to tonights game, Kelly has surrendered a 5.17 ERA with a 5.44 FIP while striking out just 17% of opponents. Thats a worrisome dip for a pitcher who punched out more than a quarter of batters faced just last year, and its further exacerbated by Kellys sudden penchant for the long ball; prior to tonights shortened scorele s outing, Kelly had surrendered eight home runs since returning from the IL. Only six qualified starters have surrendered more homers in that time. Tonights five innings of shutout baseball seemed to represent a step in the right direction for Kelly with the postseason just over the horizon, so long as he remains healthy enough to pitch. With sure to front the clubs playoff rotation, an injury to Kelly that prevents him from starting postseason games for Arizona would seemingly line lefty and youngster up to start behind Gallen in the playoffs, though (much like Kelly) Rodriguez has struggled since coming off the IL last month while Pfaadt has a 7.58 ERA in September. Both pitchers seem more likely to start playoff games for the Diamondbacks than lefty , who has struggled to a 6.23 ERA and 4.59 FIP since he signed with the club back in March and was demoted to the bullpen late last month. Fortunately, the club could have another option. As noted by , the club remains optimistic that right-hander will be able to return from the injured list prior to the end of the season next week. The righty was placed on the shelf last weekend due to shoulder inflammation but was scheduled to throw a bullpen se sion today and is first eligible to return to action on September 26. The 26-year-old has impre sed in his second season as a regular starter for Arizona, with a roughly league average 4.33 ERA and a stronger 3.76 FIP in 147 2/3 innings of work this year. Should Nelson return from the injured list next week as expected, hell be able to join the clubs postseason rotation and give the Diamondbacks some flexibility if Kellys exit this evening proves serious. T.J. Leaf Jersey