Torey Lovullo Shares Positive Update on Diamondbacks Pitcher

Nelson was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 19 with a strained right elbow before being transferred to the 60-day IL six days later. MLB’s official records list the injury as a strained right elbow. 

Before the injury, Nelson made 15 starts and went 3-5 with a 4.97 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 62 strikeouts over 83.1 innings. His return would give Arizona another experienced arm with the flexibility to work out of the bullpen.

The Diamondbacks entered Wednesday at 73-67, sitting third in the NL West and 9.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. They are also competing with the San Diego Padres in a tight Wild Card race. 

Nelson’s role could ultimately be different from the one he held before the injury. Rather than immediately returning to the rotation, Arizona is targeting him for bullpen work once he completes his rehab progression.

That could prove valuable for Lovullo’s club, particularly with the postseason race entering its decisive stretch.

For now, the focus is on getting Nelson through his upcoming appearance in Visalia. A successful outing would move the right-hander another step closer to helping the Diamondbacks in September.