Dodgers News: RHP Jimmy Nelson Not Likely to Help LA This Season
It’s been more than a hard road back for Jimmy Nelson. The Los Angeles Dodgers reliever has been trying to return to the majors since having Tommy John surgery in 2021, and it doesn’t look like that return will happen in 2023, per Eric Stephen of True Blue LA.
Dodgers have to make a roster decision by Monday on Jimmy Nelson, but Dave Roberts made it sound like activation is unlikely
“Getting the stuff where it needs to be major league ready and serviceable, we haven’t gotten quite there yet,” Roberts said— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) July 6, 2023
The team has to make an official decision as to the right-hander’s near future on Monday, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be back with the Dodgers after his rehab assignment with Oklahoma City, the team’s Triple-A affiliate.
He’d done somewhat well for himself down on the farm, posting a 3.00 ERA over six appearances with OKC, but it looks as if Nelson won’t be making the jump back up to the Dodgers soon.
That’s a blow for a Los Angeles bullpen that had already been dealing with injuries, with fellow righty Daniel Hudson the most recent Dodger reliever to hit the injured list.
There was hope that Nelson could return at some point down the stretch for LA and help a relief group that has been mired with performance issues this year, and even though the news isn’t official as of now, it doesn’t look good for the 34-year-old.
So LA will move forward likely absent the quality righty, who’d put up a 1.86 ERA in 2021 before his tenure with the Dodgers was hampered by injuries.
Los Angeles’ bullpen has been shaky this season with a collective 4.47 ERA this year despite recent improvements and it doesn’t seem if they’ll get a key reinforcement in Nelson back in the fold.
