After going undefeated through their first four Cactus League games, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ streak came to an end on Thursday with a 7-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs.
Jimmy Nelson struggled with command in his first appearance since last year’s season-ending back surgery. After getting Ian Happ to line out to begin the top of the first, Nelson lost a seven-pitch at-bat against Nico Hoerner, who singled and then moved into scoring position on a wild pitch.
Hoerner would eventually come around to score after stealing third base on a throw that went into left field. It was the only hit and run Nelson allowed in what amounted to a 19-pitch first inning.
Despite not having his best stuff, Nelson was simply thrilled to be back on the mound. “It was really nice,” he said. “Really thankful and grateful for this opportunity here, especially with this organization.
“Just a lot of hard work, a lot of long days, sacrifices. I could go on all day about it. It was nice to get back out there, come out of it healthy and feeling good.”
Having been sidelined for almost a year, Nelson explained that pitching in a Spring Training was one of his biggest goals this spring. “It’s one of the stepping stones, and I feel like it’s a decent starting place,” he said.
“There’s always going to be things in my mind to work on, but like I said I’m very thankful to come out of it healthy, feeling good and in a good place. I feel confident building from here.”
Nelson doesn’t just feel healthy, he believes he is physically at his best since his breakout 2017 season with the Milwaukee Brewers. “Coming into camp being healthy, feeling the best I’ve felt since 2017, it’s fun,” Nelson said.
“It’s fun to be out there agin, it’s fun to be around the guys in the clubhouse and just be on the field, whether it’s doing drills or bullpens.
“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.”
Nelson: Signing with Dodgers was top priority
After his first season with the Dodgers was derailed due to injury, Nelson prioritized re-signing with the club for a chance to win another World Series.
“Oh yeah. Absolutely. That was a huge factor in my decision,” he said of returning to the Dodgers.
“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.”
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