Fans of the Diamondbacks devise amusing "pickle" tactic to support Merrill Kelly
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The Arizona Diamondbacks are battling it out in one of the league's toughest divisions. With each game mattering, starting pitcher Merrill Kelly's performances are crucial, especially with veteran Corbin Burnes potentially sidelined due to shoulder inflammation. Fans are stepping up, showering Kelly with pickle gifts to ease his cramps.
Opting for pickled cucumbers as a distinctive show of support, D-backs supporters hope this quirky solution will contribute to Kyle's performance. Torey Lovullo, team manager, spoke glowingly about the managed pickle deliveries, sharing his thoughts with USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
"Nibbled a couple," Lovullo admitted about the pickles. "They're tasty..."
While he might not be pitching as deeply into games as they'd hope, Kelly remains an effective addition to the team. So far, his record stands at 3-1, with a 4.06 ERA heading into Wednesday's game against the New York Mets. Despite stellar outings, pitching remains the team's greatest challenge as they approach 40 games played in the 2025 season[1][5].
In a scene typical of the NL West's tight competition, the D-backs are in striking distance of the division lead, just a few games behind the San Francisco Giants, LA Dodgers, and San Diego Padres. With time on their side, the Diamondbacks have a golden opportunity to close the gap and contend for a division title.
Whether the pickles will ultimately tip the scales in their favor remains to be seen. One thing is certain; passionate Diamondbacks fans will go to great lengths to cheer for their club[2].
- "Betting enthusiasts are certain to have Arizona Diamondbacks games on their radar, given Merrill Kelly's critical role in an exceptionally competitive division, especially with Corbin Burnes' potential absence due to shoulder inflammation."
- "Sports aficionados may find it unusual, but D-backs fans have taken to betting on Kelly's performance, showering him with pickle gifts in hopes they'll ease his cramps."
- "As the 2023 baseball season progresses, Torey Lovullo, the team manager, continues to express his appreciation for the pickle deliveries, reflecting on their positive impact on the team morale."
- "With Kelly securing a 3-1 record and a 4.06 ERA, many baseball analysts are confident that his contributions to the Diamondbacks will play a significant role in their pursuit of a division title."
- "In the fascinating world of MLB, it seems the pickled cucumber craze is just another example of how far some fans will go to support their team, embracing unique traditions and rituals to gain that extra edge, like crazy betting odds on their favorite players."
