Left-handed pitching prospect Kohl Drake is set to make his Major League debut, getting the start as the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Athletics at Chase Field. The 26-year-old was called up from Triple-A Reno to step into a depleted Arizona rotation. Here’s how to watch, and what to know about the rookie taking the mound.
How to Watch: Athletics vs. Diamondbacks
- Matchup: Athletics at Arizona Diamondbacks
- First Pitch: 9:40 p.m. ET / 6:40 p.m. local
- Where: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
- TV: Dbacks.TV (Arizona) | NBC Sports California (Athletics)
- Stream: MLB.TV; Fubo (carries both regional networks)
- Pitching Matchup: Kohl Drake (ARI, MLB debut) vs. Jack Perkins (ATH)
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Kohl Drake works out during spring training baseball Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
This is a 2026 photo of Kohl Drake of the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team. This image reflects the Diamondbacks active roster as of Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, when this image was taken. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Kohl Drake’s MLB Debut: What to Know
Drake, a 6-foot-5 left-hander and the Diamondbacks’ No. 10 prospect per MLB Pipeline, gets the call for his first big-league start. An 11th-round pick out of Walters State Community College in 2022, he’s worked into the fifth spot of an Arizona rotation gutted by injuries — Zac Gallen, Ryne Nelson, Michael Soroka and Corbin Burnes are all on the injured list. He brings a true five-pitch mix: a four-seam fastball in the low 90s, cutter, changeup, curveball and slider. His Triple-A line at Reno (6.92 ERA over 17 appearances) comes with a heavy asterisk — the Pacific Coast League is one of the most hitter-friendly environments in professional baseball, and Drake tossed five shutout innings as recently as July 3.
This is a 2025 photo of Texas Rangers pitcher Kohl Drake of the Texas Rangers baseball team. This image reflects the Texas Rangers’ active roster as of Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, when this image was taken in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
The Merrill Kelly Trade, Full Circle
Drake’s debut carries a fun subplot for Arizona fans. He was one of three pitchers the Diamondbacks acquired from the Texas Rangers in July 2025 — alongside Mitch Bratt and David Hagaman — in exchange for veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly, whom Arizona then re-signed as a free agent. This week, that trade comes full circle: Bratt started Monday, Drake debuts Tuesday, and Kelly himself is lined up for Wednesday. Three of the four pitchers tied to the deal will take the mound in the same series.
The Bigger Picture
Arizona enters at 51-49, second in the National League West but firmly in the Wild Card conversation, and the Diamondbacks have been strong at home (29-22 at Chase Field). The Athletics, at 43-57, are playing for development and momentum — and just handed Arizona a 5-2 loss in the series opener, so this is no gimme despite the standings gap.
Athletics pitcher Jack Perkins walks to the dugout against the Detroit Tigers during the fifth inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 9, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Athletics pitcher Jack Perkins walks to the dugout after being puled from a baseball game during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins Friday, July 3, 2026, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)
Athletics pitcher Jack Perkins throws to an New York Yankees batter during the ninth inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 30, 2026, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)
All times ET; lineups and first pitch subject to change. Drake’s debut is official once he takes the mound.
