Dodgers: Jimmy Nelson Among the Biggest Stand Outs From Spring Training

The Dodgers have a plethora of starting pitching as they head into the 2021 season. In fact, they have so much depth at the position that 3 of their 8 starting candidates will have to start the year in the bullpen. One development that made the starting debate much more interesting was the unexpected dominance of right-hander Jimmy Nelson.

Coming off of a season-ending back surgery in 2020, the expectation for Nelson was for him to ease his way back into playing shape. Instead, he came into training camp ready to go, and he pitched himself onto the 40-man roster as a result. In fact, Major League Baseball named him the top standout from Dodgers camp.

Jimmy Nelson’s Spring Stats

• 7.0 Innings pitched
• 0.00 ERA
• 9/1 Strikeout-to-walk-ratio
• 4 total hits allowed

After starting his first two spring outings, Nelson was transitioned to the bullpen. This doesn’t make his

This from Jimmy Nelson will play (out of the pen, hopefully). pic.twitter.com/LMhLGH91SM

— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) March 5, 2021

Final Thoughts

On most other teams, Jimmy Nelson would be a strong candidate for a middle rotation spot. But here in LA, he’ll be settling for being a set-up man with perhaps an occasional opportunity to start.

As long as he is able to show that he is fully healthy once again, the Dodgers will benefit and Nelson will have opportunities to find a starting gig during the offseason.

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