The Arizona Diamondbacks return to Chase Field to host the Miami Marlins on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET. Merrill Kelly gets the ball for Arizona against Miami's Ryan Gusto in a late-season regular season matchup. With September winding down and roster stakes real for both clubs, this is exactly the kind of game the Diamondbacks need to take care of business at home. Catch it on DBACKS.TV or Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.
Probable Pitchers: Merrill Kelly vs. Ryan Gusto
Merrill Kelly anchors Arizona's rotation with the reliability this franchise has leaned on throughout his tenure in the desert. Kelly's ability to eat innings and keep the offense in the game gives the Diamondbacks a genuine chance every time he takes the mound. He's been one of the more dependable starters in the National League West, and a strong outing here would be a statement as the regular season approaches its final weeks.
Opposing him is Miami's Ryan Gusto. The Marlins are sending their right-hander into a road environment that can be unkind to visiting pitchers, particularly with Chase Field's dimensions and a crowd that shows up when the D-backs give them reason to. Arizona's lineup will need to be patient and attack early counts if Gusto struggles with the strike zone.
Keys to Watch for the Diamondbacks
- Kelly's command: When Kelly is locating his fastball and mixing his offspeed pitches effectively, he's tough to solve. Arizona needs a quality start — six-plus innings and minimal damage — to keep the bullpen fresh this late in the season.
- Capitalizing at home: Chase Field should be an advantage. The Diamondbacks need to press that edge by jumping on Gusto early and making the Marlins play from behind.
- Bullpen management: September rosters are expanded, giving Arizona options late. How the back end of the bullpen is deployed after Kelly exits will be critical, especially if the game is close heading into the seventh.
- Situational hitting: Against a Miami staff that can be exploited with runners on base, Arizona's lineup needs to come through in high-leverage spots rather than leaving runs stranded.
Prediction
This is a winnable game for Arizona, and Merrill Kelly is exactly the kind of pitcher you want starting a mid-week home matchup late in the regular season. The Diamondbacks should have the edge at Chase Field against a Marlins club making the trip west. Expect Kelly to go deep into the game, Arizona's offense to do enough damage early, and the D-backs to come away with a victory. Diamondbacks 5, Marlins 2.
