Deadlines proposed for Alek Thomas, Merrill Kelly

Manager Torey Lovullo shed some light on when two injured players could return to action for the Diamondbacks.

Center fielder Alek Thomas, who played his second rehab game Saturday in Arizona’s complex rookie league, is considering a return during the next home game, Lovullo said.

Thomas will play one more game in the Complex League on Monday before joining Triple-A Reno on Wednesday. He will likely stay with Reno until the weekend, Lovullo said. The Diamondbacks’ next home game begins June 25 against Minnesota.

As for right-hander Merrill Kelly, Lovullo acknowledged that his No. 2 starter probably won’t be back until mid-July.

“It might be a little after the All-Star break,” Lovullo said. “We’re just being very careful with Merrill. He knows his body well. He makes an excellent contribution.

Lovullo added: “We’re just going to be extremely careful. If we have to wait a little more time on the front side to get him back for the rest (two months) of baseball, we’ll sign up for that.

Sunday’s Diamondbacks-White Sox Kickoff Game

White Sox at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34

Diamondbacks LHP Jordan Montgomery (4-4, 6.58) vs. White Sox RHP Drew Thorpe (0-0, 1.80).

At Chase Field: Montgomery had struggled in his previous two outings before turning in a more competitive outing against the Angels, allowing three runs in 5 2/3 innings. … Although Montgomery’s numbers aren’t good, he’s been a decent bet to keep the Diamondbacks in games, limiting opposing teams to three runs or fewer in six of his 10 starts. … Montgomery owns a 2.20 ERA in 28 2/3 innings during his career against the White Sox. C Martin Maldonado is 3-for-4 with two homers in his career against Montgomery. … Thorpe was traded twice in the past year, first from the Yankees to the Padres in the OF Juan Soto deal, then from the Padres to the White Sox in the RHP Dylan Cease trade. … This will be Thorpe’s second career start. He made his major league debut Tuesday against Seattle, limiting the Mariners to two runs (one earned) in five innings, walking two and striking out four. …Thorpe’s best pitch would be his changeup. He induced seven whiffs on 19 swings in his debut, a career-high 36.8 percent.

Future

Monday: Stop.

Tuesday: At Washington, 3:45 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Slade Cecconi (1-5, 6.70) vs. Nationals RHP Jake Irvin (5-5, 3.00).

Wednesday: At Washington, 1:05 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (3-5, 4.38) vs. Nationals LHP Patrick Corbin (1-7, 5.84).

THURSDAY: At Washington, 10:05 a.m., Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (4-5, 5.49) vs. Nationals LHP MacKenzie Gore (6-5, 3.24).