The Los Angeles Dodgers transferred Jimmy Nelson to the 60-day injured list as one of two corresponding moves to activating Trea Turner on Friday night.
Nelson won’t pitch again this year as he is due to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and also a flexor tendon repair. Nelson had been on the 10-day IL since Aug. 4 because of right elbow inflammation.
It marked a third IL stint this season, with the first instance due to the right forearm inflammation and the second injury a left lumbar strain. Nelson appeared in 28 games (one start) for the Dodgers, going 1-2 with a 1.86 ERA, 1.88 FIP and 0.93 WHIP.
Nelson missed just over two weeks in each of his first two times on the IL. He last appeared in a game on July 30 and surrendered the hit that resulted in the Dodgers falling to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 10 innings.
Season-ending surgery is a disappointing turn of events for the 32-year-old as he was enjoying a resurgent campaign. Nelson initially joined the Dodgers prior to the 2020 campaign but failed to throw a pitch for them because of a back injury suffered in Spring Training that ultimately required season-ending surgery.
The Dodgers held a team option on Nelson for the 2021 season, which they predictably declined. However, he remained determined to re-sign with the team and did so on a Minor League contract.
Nelson was among the candidates the Dodgers considered for their starting rotation but he ultimately earned a spot on the Opening Day roster as a relief pitcher.
“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 said during Spring Training. “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.”
How will Dodgers replace Nelson?
Losing Nelson takes a high-leverage option away from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, but the team may welcome back Corey Knebel as soon as Tuesday.
Knebel is in the process of completing a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City as he has been out since April 24 because of a right lat strain.
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