Kelly (shoulder) threw two innings in a simulated game Thursday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Kelly faced hitters for the first time since being placed on the injured list in late April with a strained right shoulder. The 35-year-old is slated to throw again Sunday and looks to be nearing a rehab assignment. Kelly has only made four starts this season, and will likely require multiple rehab starts before being cleared.
Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly: On track to face hitters soon
Rotowire
Kelly (shoulder) is expected to throw two more bullpen sessions before facing hitters, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.
Kelly is slated to throw off the bump Saturday and is expected to require one additional bullpen session before being cleared to face hitters. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that the right-hander is "feeling really, really good." Kelly is been limited to just four starts this season with a right shoulder strain and will need time to ramp things back up, but the recent reports on his progress have been positive.
Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly: Throws side session Friday
Rotowire
Kelly (shoulder) threw 32 pitches in a bullpen session Friday, MLB.com reports.
Kelly completed his second bullpen session of the week and looks like he could be ready to face hitters as soon as next week The right-hander has been on the shelf since April 23 with a right shoulder strain and is tentatively expected to return in early August.
Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly: Ready for another bullpen session
Rotowire
Kelly (shoulder) is set to throw a bullpen session Friday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Kelly completed a bullpen session Tuesday, the first time he's thrown from the mound since landing on the injured list in mid-April with a shoulder strain. He'll continue building up his workload before progressing to facing live batters and remains on track for a mid-August return.
