The Los Angeles Dodgers transferred Jimmy Nelson to the 60-day injured list as part of the corresponding moves to add Dylan Covey to their active roster on Wednesday. The other was Justin Bruihl being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Nelson was expected to earn a spot in the Dodgers bullpen after re-signing on a one-year contract, but he struggled throughout Spring Training and began the season on the 15-day IL due to right elbow inflammation. The 33-year-old began a rehab assignment during the final week of April but made just one appearance for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
“He was throwing up until about 10 days ago, and we shut him down,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed last week. “I think we’ve got to restart that rehab at some point. It was something he felt. I don’t know specifically, but it was something that caused us to shut him down for a bit.”
Nelson has been attempting a return since undergoing Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon repair in 2021, and it’s been a long process that’s included multiple setbacks.
Nelson has signed four different contracts with the Dodgers since getting non-tendered by the Milwaukee Brewers in December 2019.
During his time with the Dodgers organization, Nelson has only pitched in the 2021 season. He was effective during that span, posting a 1.86 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 28 games (one start).
With being transferred to the 60-day IL, Nelson is not eligible to be activated until May 29, although that date is not considered plausible anyhow.
Jimmy Nelson contract details
Nelson re-signed with the Dodgers for a $1.2 million salary, which exceeded the $1.1 million team option that had previously been declined for the 2023 season. Furthermore, Nelson’s contract was said to include incentives that could bring its total value to $4 million.
Had the Dodgers exercised their team option on Nelson, performance bonuses in 2023 could have meant a larger guarantee than what the 33-year-old potentially was in line to receive under his current deal.
Nelson’s new contract had him in position to earn $2 million in incentives based on relief appearances of three innings or less ($300,000 each for 35, 40, 45 and 50), and $400,000 each for 55 and 60. He additionally can receive up to $4 million through a system in which Nelson accrues one point for each start of relief appearance of 3.1 innings or more — $250,000 each for 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 points), and $500,000 for 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30.
Nelson’s career high for appearances is 32, which came as a member of the Brewers during the 2016 season. Nelson hasn’t averaged at least 3.1 innings per game since 2017 in what marked his last full year as a starting pitcher.
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