Diamondbacks Opt for Semi-Bullpen Game Again

With a series win on the line, the Arizona Diamondbacks have elected to go with another semi-bullpen game on Wednesday, with Ryne Nelson coming in around the 2nd inning after an undisclosed starter kicks things off.

The Diamondbacks used this strategy in the series opener, where Joe Mantiply tossed a shutout in the 1st inning, but typical starter Slade Cecconi gave up six runs in the 3rd, leading to a 6-4 loss.

Although having to use two bullpen games in a single series is not the situation Arizona expected so early in the season, the 60-day IL stints of Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez have strained their starting rotation.

Ryne Nelson, a former 2nd-round pick in 2019, has struggled this season with a 7.06 ERA and has allowed 10+ hits in back-to-back starts. Last year, he posted an 8-8 record with a 5.3 ERA. Nelson made the Opening Day roster in 2024 with Eduardo Rodriguez on the IL.

Stay tuned for further updates, as the Diamondbacks‘ 1st inning starter for their series finale against the Dodgers has not been announced. The Diamondbacks have not won a three-game series against Los Angeles since April 2022.