Kelly starts for a tough assignment against Houston, carrying a 12-7, 3.21 line. His ability to keep hitters off balance and induce weak contact will test the Astros’ patience, with fantasy implications hinging on Houston’s lineup health and run production.

Kelly was part of Boston’s early-in-market chatter; Arizona indicated that trading him would require more value than a draft-pick compensation, making him a tougher target than Gallen in a potential return.

Kelly’s four straight quality starts give him a steady cash-floor; opponent Houston struggles against righties, making Kelly a reliable anchor with a safe ceiling though lacking big strikeouts.

Kelly sits in the safer floor tier, offering a reliable 15 DK-point baseline with far less variance than many peers, making him a solid cash-game option on this slate.

Kelly exemplifies the payoff of the Rangers’ rehab pipeline, showcasing how elite medical care and hands-on coaching can reframe a pitcher’s trajectory post-Tommy John. His presence anchors the model and informs future trades and depth-building for Texas.