KYLE NELSON NEWS

Dismissed from bullpen competition The Diamondbacks optioned Nelson to Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

Impact Nelson is healthy again after missing most of the 2024 season while recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, but he had struggled with his command and control this spring, giving up nine runs (eight earned) on nine hits -- including three home runs -- and four walks over 5.2 innings in Cactus League play. He'll look to shake off the rust in Reno and put himself in consideration for a call-up later on this season.

MARCH 19 • ROTOWIRE

Falters in spring debut Nelson (shoulder) retired two batters and was charged with two earned runs on three hits while striking out one in Tuesday's 4-2 Cactus League loss to the Cubs.

Impact Making his spring debut after he had been sidelined since last April while he recovered from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, Nelson perhaps unsurprisingly struggled with his command. He served up home runs to two of the five batters he faced and was charged with a blown save after giving up a 2-0 lead in the fifth inning. The southpaw possesses a spot on the Diamondbacks' 40-man roster, but since he has two minor-league options remaining, he could open the season at Triple-A Reno if the organization determines he needs more time to knock off some rust coming out of the spring.

FEBRUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Settles with Arizona The Diamondbacks and Nelson (shoulder) avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $825,000 contract Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Impact Nelson had been eligible for arbitration for the first time. The left-hander missed most of the 2024 season after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery in May, and while he should have a shot to be ready for the start of the 2025 campaign, it's a notoriously tricky operation to come back from.

JANUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Getting additional opinions Nelson is receiving additional opinions on his injured left shoulder before the Diamondbacks decide the next steps to take, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Impact Nelson landed on the injured list nearly a week ago with what was deemed left shoulder inflammation at the time, but it sounds like he might be dealing with something more serious. More information on his status could be available later this week.

APRIL 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Placed on 15-day IL Nelson was placed on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation on Tuesday.

Impact Nelson will now be sidelined for at least a couple weeks while tending to inflammation in his pitching elbow, which is never good news for a hurler. The 27-year-old had been going through a rough stretch on the mound, surrendering five earned runs over 1.1 innings in his last three appearances. It's unclear if the left-hander's stretch of poor performances had anything to do with potential arm issues or not, but he'll now at least have an opportunity to mentally reset while on the shelf. In a corresponding move, Arizona recalled right-hander Justin Martinez from Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

APRIL 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Kelly finds changeup, Kyle Nelson aims to stay in the big leagues SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Like the sun rising in the east, Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly has always been able to count on his changeup. But...

MARCH 14, 2024 • MLB.COM

Joins roster for NLDS Nelson is on Arizona's roster for its NLDS matchup against the Dodgers, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Impact Nelson was left off the D-backs' roster in favor of Bryce Jarvis ahead of the NL Wild Card Series against Milwaukee, and the two lefties will swap places for the NLDS. Nelson gave up six runs over 3.2 innings across his final five appearances in the regular season, so the Diamondbacks will likely limit him to low-leverage outings.

OCTOBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Held off Wild Card roster Nelson is not on the Diamondbacks' roster for their Wild Card Series matchup versus the Brewers.

Impact Bryce Jarvis is essentially being carried instead as the Diamondbacks roll with 12 pitchers and 14 position players. Nelson surrendered 10 runs -- nine earned -- over his final 6.2 innings to close out the 2023 regular season.

OCTOBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as Sunday's starter Nelson is expected to start Sunday's season finale against Astros.

Impact The Diamondbacks clinched a playoff berth despite losing Saturday, and it looks like Nelson, a reliever, will start Sunday. It's unclear if manager Torey Lovullo plans to use a starter for bulk innings or go with a bullpen day. The manager may want to preserve starters' arms in advance of the playoffs, which begins Tuesday.

OCTOBER 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Takes loss Nelson (5-3) was charged with the loss against the Dodgers on Wednesday. He allowed two runs on two hits and two walks and did not retire a batter.

Impact A tense pitching duel was decided when Nelson entered a scoreless game with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning. He's typically been good when finishing off innings, but the left-hander allowed a double, an intentional walk, a walk then a two-run single to former Diamondback David Peralta. He's been a trusted bullpen piece for much of the season, but Nelson's posted a 6.43 ERA over seven innings since returning from the All-Star break.

AUGUST 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will serve as opener Saturday Nelson will serve as the Diamondbacks' opener Saturday versus the Pirates, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Impact It'll be his first opener assignment of the year. Nelson has registered a strong 2.76 ERA with 42 strikeouts over 32.2 innings of relief this season with Arizona, but he'll probably only be asked to handle a frame or two Saturday against Pittsburgh and offers little fantasy appeal.

JULY 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Vultures fourth win Nelson (4-1) retired all three batters faced and was credited with Saturday's win over the Pirates.

Impact Nelson bridged the sixth and seventh innings for the Diamondbacks and benefitted from Pavin Smith's two-run home run to earn his fourth win of the season. The left-hander has pitched well in a middle-relief role for a second consecutive season. Nelson sports a .150 ERA over 18 innings (21 appearances) after pitching to a 2.19 ERA in 2022.

MAY 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Unable to get out of jam Nelson blew the save Tuesday against the Athletics. He allowed one run on one hit while striking out one over one-third of an inning.

Impact The Diamondbacks threw Nelson into a tough spot Tuesday, having the left-hander step in for Kevin Ginkel with the bases loaded and two outs, but Nelson was unable to work out of the jam. On his second pitch, Ryan Noda took Nelson yard for a game-tying grand slam, scoring Brent Rooker, Aledmys Diaz and Carlos Perez to bring the score to 8-8. Although Nelson was able to bounce back and get Ramon Laureano to go down swinging, the damage had already been done and the Athletics would eventually take the game in walk-off fashion in 12 innings.

MAY 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Can't escape Kelly's jam Nelson allowed one hit and struck out two over one scoreless inning in Saturday's 5-3 loss to San Diego.

Impact Nelson was charged with a blown save, but he was presented with the challenge of getting out of starter Merrill Kelly's none-out, bases loaded jam in the sixth inning. After the first two batters he faced struck out, Ha-Seong Kim's single (.170 XBA) found its way to the outfield to plate two runs. Nelson has pitched well out of the bullpen. Even when he was tagged with a loss Thursday, it was two unearned runs, thanks to a Nick Ahmed error, that put the blemish on his record. Nelson has a 0.93 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 15 strikeouts and three walks over 9.2 innings.

APRIL 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Logs second win Nelson (2-0) allowed one hit while striking out three and walking none over 1.1 innings to log his second win in Wednesday's victory over Milwaukee.

Impact Nelson stranded a pair of runners to finish off the fifth inning and qualify for the win. He's been effective thus far, allowing one run over 5.2 innings (six appearances) while striking out nine. The lefty was slated to open the season in the minors but a Joe Mantiply shoulder injury provided a stay from that fate. Since then, Cole Sulser (shoulder) and Mark Melancon (shoulder) have landed on the 60-day injured list, which means Nelson should remain in Arizona.

APRIL 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Called up, appears in relief The Diamondbacks recalled Nelson from Triple-A Reno prior to Thursday's 8-2 loss to the Dodgers. He struck out two and worked around two hits in a scoreless inning.

Impact Nelson was in line to begin the season with Arizona's top affiliate, but Joe Mantiply's (shoulder) placement on the injured list resulted in the southpaw winning a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. The Diamondbacks are expected to deploy Nelson mainly in low-leverage or middle-innings spots while he's up with the big club.

MARCH 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will be in Arizona bullpen Nelson will have the final spot in the Diamondbacks' bullpen to begin the 2023 season, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Impact Joe Mantiply is headed for a season-opening stint on the 15-day IL because of shoulder fatigue, and Nelson will essentially fill the vacancy. The 26-year-old left-hander registered a strong 2.19 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 37 innings for the Diamondbacks in 2022.

MARCH 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Optioned to Reno The Diamondbacks optioned Nelson to Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Impact Nelson had an outstanding season in 2022, logging a 2.19 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through 37 innings out of the bullpen. Unfortunately, he got hit around a bit more in the spring, giving up four earned runs over 8.2 frames. The 26-year-old southpaw will begin the season in Triple-A, but he figures to be one of the top choices to be called up should Arizona need more bullpen depth.

MARCH 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ready for start of season Nelson (elbow) will be ready for the start of spring training, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Impact Nelson missed the final few weeks of the season while he was dealing with inflammation in his left shoulder. Prior to the injury, the 26-year-old was one of the most effective members of the Arizona bullpen, posting a 2.19 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 37 innings from 43 appearances. Assuming he carries his health into the start of the regular season, Nelson should be a bridge in the middle innings to Mark Melancon or whoever wins the Diamondbacks' closing job.

FEBRUARY 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Heading to injured list Nelson was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday with left elbow inflammation.

Impact The 26-year-old apparently suffered the injury Monday against the Dodgers, when he allowed three runs on a hit and a walk without recording an out. It's been a breakout campaign for Nelson with a 2.19 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 30:14 K:BB over 37 innings this year, but the elbow injury could bring his season to an early end.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Lands on injured list Nelson was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Aug. 5, with lower back spasms.

Impact Nelson has been outstanding out of Arizona's bullpen this season, posting a 1.57 ERA and 0.90 WHIP over 34.1 innings, but the club will be without one of its most reliable relievers for at least the next couple weeks. Edwin Uceta was recalled from Triple-A Reno to take Nelson's place on the roster.

AUGUST 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Successful as opener Nelson issued a walk in a scoreless inning as the opener in Sunday's win over the Phillies.

Impact Nelson got through a scoreless inning of work despite throwing just seven of 15 pitches for strikes. He lowered his ERA to 1.93 with a 19:3 K:BB through 18.2 innings this season. However, Sunday's outing snapped the 25-year-old's streak of 15 consecutive contests without issuing a walk.

JUNE 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Will open Sunday Nelson will serve as the Diamondbacks' opening pitcher Sunday against the Phillies, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Impact By tapping the left-handed Nelson, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo hopes to neutralize sluggers Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, lefty hitters at the top of the Phillies' order. Nelson is not expected to go much more than an inning. Luke Weaver, who Arizona added to its taxi squad Saturday, is expected to pitch multiple innings following Nelson. The need for a fill-in starter was created when Humberto Castellanos (elbow) was added to the 15-day injured list.

JUNE 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Back from injured list Nelson was activated off the COVID-19 injured list Saturday.

Impact Nelson spent the last 10 days on the injured list but is ready to return without a rehab assignment. His return will be a boost to the Diamondbacks' bullpen, as he owns an excellent 1.23 ERA in 14.2 innings, striking out 16 batters while walking just two.

MAY 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Moves to COVID-19 IL The Diamondbacks placed Nelson on the injured list Wednesday without a designation, implying that he's been added to the COVID-19-related IL.

Impact Outfielder/designated hitter Cooper Hummel was also placed on the COVID-19-related IL, with Arizona calling up infielder Yonny Hernandez and reliever Jacob Webb to take their spots on the active roster. Nelson has been a standout performer in the Arizona bullpen this season, gathering a win and five holds while posting a 1.23 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 16:2 K:BB across 14.2 innings.

MAY 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE