Ryne Nelson’s Return Draws Near: A Closer Look at His Recovery Progress

In his fourth start of the season, right-handed pitcher Ryne Nelson was placed on the 15-day injured list after being struck by a comebacker on the elbow during an outing against the San Francisco Giants.

Nelson is currently one of six Diamondbacks pitchers sidelined by injuries.

The 2019 second-round pick secured a spot on Arizona’s Opening Day roster despite a challenging 2023 season, where he recorded a 5.31 ERA over 27 starts.

Recently, Nelson pitched 50 pitches in a simulated game, signaling that he may soon rejoin the Diamondbacks’ starting rotation.

Manager Torey Lovullo expressed optimism about Nelson’s quick return, stating, “Everything was very efficient, zero pain, was able to get full extension. And the area where he got hit, you’re just always concerned that there’s gonna be some lingering effects of the injury but nothing, he said he felt wonderful,” as reported by Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic.

Lovullo also mentioned that a rehab assignment might not be necessary for Nelson, indicating that the 26-year-old could return as early as Friday.

Despite preseason expectations of having one of the best starting rotations in baseball, the Diamondbacks find themselves in the bottom third of team ERAs.

The injury list recently expanded to include Merrill Kelly, arguably their best starter, who joined Eduardo Rodriguez on the 60-day IL.