The Los Angeles Dodgers added Jimmy Nelson to their 40-man roster, which all but guarantees he will be with the team come Opening Day. Nelson signed a Minor League contract in January, which came months after the Dodgers declined their team option for 2021.
The right-hander has been a standout performer during Spring Training, pitching both as a starter and reliever. Nelson’s most recent appearance came during a “B” game at Camelback Ranch, during which Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he threw multiple innings.
“We plan on kind of meeting and putting our heads together, but Jimmy’s done everything he can to break (camp) with us,” Roberts added. “Fits a lot of roles for us: leverage, length, starter, reliever. He can do a lot of different things and he’s done everything he can do to be with us.”
Nelson has allowed just one unearned run this spring — in his first game. Since then he’s strung together six scoreless innings and recorded eight strikeouts over three appearances (one start).
Considering Nelson has not gone more than two innings in any Cactus League game, he figures to be on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster as a relief pitcher. Nelson’s contract includes incentives for games and innings pitched.
Nelson missed all of last season due to a back injury suffered during Spring Training and which ultimately required surgery. Nelson’s last time achieving success during the regular season came with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017, when he went 12-6 with a 3.49 ERA in 29 starts.
Nelson suffered a right rotator cuff strain and partial anterior labrum tear in 2018, underwent surgery and missed the entire 2018 season. He struggled upon returning to make 10 appearances in 2019 and that led to signing a first contract with the Dodgers.
Nelson wanted second opportunity
Dodgers president of operations Andrew Friedman said last year that Nelson was focused on re-signing with the team, and it was a sentiment the 31-year-old echoed this spring.
“It’s fun to be out there again, it’s fun to be around the guys in the clubhouse and just be on the field, whether it’s doing drills or bullpens,” Nelson recently said. “When you’re not grinding through injuries or in pain, you can actually enjoy the game.
“It’s been a long time, so I’m just trying to enjoy it every day. … I really wanted to come back and earn a championship. These guys gave me an opportunity last year that didn’t work out, but I definitely feel like this is the right place to be to help me stay healthy and develop.
“I couldn’t be any happier. Even though it was just Spring Training last year, it made a big impact on me and I was happy to have the option to come back.”
The Dodgers placed Tommy Kahnle on the 60-day injured list as the corresponding move to adding Nelson to their 40-man roster.
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