Arizona manager Torey Lovullo stopped short of labeling Kennedy the team's closer, but he'll be a "starting point" for the manager when considering which reliever gets a save opportunity, Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic reports. "I don't want to say that Ian is the full-time closer," Lovullo said. "But it'll always be a starting point for me when he's available and it's good matchups."

EDGE Analysis

Lovullo didn't mention Mark Melancon, but he remains in the mix on days when Kennedy isn't available and right-handed hitters are due up. Against lefties, the manager said he would consider Joe Mantiply to close.

Kennedy struck out one batter and issued a walk while earning a save with a scoreless inning during Monday's win over Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Kennedy worked around a one-out walk to Tucapita Marcano and didn't have much issue finishing off the 3-0 win. The veteran righty has converted three straight save chances and he's allowed just one run in 7.2 innings since blowing his last opportunity July 24. He's now sporting a 3.13 ERA with a 35:15 K:BB through 41 appearances.

Kennedy (4-5) took the loss during Saturday's 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Rockies, allowing one run on one hit with one strikeout in one inning.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Torey Lovullo turned to the right-hander to pitch the ninth inning of a tie game and Kennedy surrendered a one-out Ryan McMahon solo home run to fall in line for the loss. The 37-year-old tossed eight pitches during Friday's save but was still able to fire 13 of 18 pitches for strikes Saturday. Kennedy had fired 5.2 scoreless innings prior to Saturday's hiccup and still features a solid 3.22 ERA across 36.1 innings this season. He's expected to feature as part of Arizona's closer committee after Mark Melancon was removed from the role.

Kennedy saved Friday's 6-5 win against the Rockies, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Kennedy's services were necessitated once Arizona took the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning and navigated the heart of Colorado's lineup on just eight pitches. The 37-year-old has notched consecutive saves and appears to be manger Torey Lovullo's preferred option to finish games. Kennedy sports a 3.06 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 33 strikeouts in 35.1 innings across 39 appearances.

Kennedy could be next up for saves as the Diamondbacks will go with a closer-by-committee approach going forward, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran righty has a 2.25 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 17 strikeouts, one win and two saves in 16 innings since May 24. Mark Melancon, who entered the year as the closer, is 3-10 with a 4.66 ERA on the season. Joe Mantiply and Kyle Nelson are potential challengers to Kennedy in the ninth inning.

Kennedy picked up the save Tuesday in Cleveland, striking out the side in the ninth inning of a 6-3 victory.

EDGE Analysis

Kennedy made quick work of the final three spots in Cleveland's lineup, needing 14 pitches to punch out all three batters. It was his fifth save of the season and first since June 9. Mark Melancon took the loss Sunday and Monday and may have just been given a day of rest, leading to Kennedy's save chance. That said, given Melancon's recent struggles and 4.66 ERA for the season, it wouldn't be surprising to see Kennedy receive a few more save opportunities over the last two months.

Kennedy (4-4) threw 1.2 scoreless innings to pick up the win over San Francisco on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Starter Tyler Gilbert left with a lead after four innings, which doesn't qualify for a win, and Kennedy was deemed the most effective Arizona reliever. He's pitched in three of the five games played since being activated off the injured list, allowing one run on one hit and one walk while striking out two over 3.2 innings during that run. With the trade dealing approaching, Arizona is expected to trade the 38-year-old Kennedy, who had 26 saves in 2021 and 30 in 2019, but he'll likely remain in a setup role wherever he lands.

The Diamondbacks reinstated Kennedy (calf) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Arizona designated starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel for assignment to clear room on the active roster for Kennedy, who spent the minimum amount of time on the shelf due to right calf inflammation. Now that he's healthy again, Kennedy should represent the top threat to poach saves from Mark Melancon, who has converted 13 of his 15 save chances to date but owns poor overall ratios (5.12 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 9.2 K-BB%) for the season.

Kennedy (calf) will be activated off the injured list when the season resumes Friday at home against Washington, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kennedy will rejoin the Diamondbacks after allowing three runs on five hits while striking out two over one inning Saturday in Arizona Complex League action. He's expected to resume a role as the primary setup man

Kennedy (calf) is scheduled to begin a rehabilitation stint Saturday in the Arizona Complex League, Nice Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kennedy landed on the injured list earlier this month when an MRI confirmed a blood clot in his right calf. He was subsequently given a blood-thinning medication, and a recent imaging procedure indicated the clot had resolved itself. The setup man is expected to return following the All-Star break.