Prior to Sunday’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park, the Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Phil Bickford from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed Jimmy Nelson on the 10-day injured list with right forearm inflammation, retroactive to May 21.
Nelson last pitched on May 20 when he tossed two perfect innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks with five strikeouts. While forearm trouble can be concerning for a pitcher, the club is optimistic he won’t be out long.
“There was some arm soreness, just didn’t rebound from the two-inning stint,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the decision to place Nelson on the IL. “To kind of get ahead of it, obviously we activated Bickford.
“It should be a short stint on the IL and he’ll continue to play catch. Wanted to make sure we get him right.”
Roberts further revealed that Nelson did not undergo an MRI or additional tests, which bodes well for him potentially returning in the next week or two.
Though Nelson is a starting pitcher by trade, he has thrived in a bullpen role this season, going 1-1 with a 2.41 ERA, 1.86 FIP, 1.18 WHIP and 14.5 strikeouts per nine over 18.2 innings pitched (16 games).
David Price is another starting pitcher-turned reliever who has found success as of late. His similar career path to Nelson has led to the two forming an unexpected bond.
Dodgers injury picture
Nelson became the 14th player the Dodgers have on the IL. The group includes Caleb Ferguson and Tommy Kahnle, both of whom are unlikely to pitch this season as they recover from respective Tommy John surgeries.
Dustin May also is on the 60-day IL and out for the year after undergoing surgery to repair the damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
The Dodgers have a total of nine pitchers currently on the shelf. Of the group, it would appear Garrett Cleavinger, Tony Gonsolin and Brusdar Graterol are closest to returning.
Gonsolin can be reinstated May 31, and the hope is Cleavinger and Graterol won’t be sidelined much longer.
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