PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks starter Ryne Nelson made another pitch that he belongs in the starting rotation with 6.2 shutout innings on Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Nelson allowed four hits with no walks, striking out four batters as he consistently pounded the strike zone for quick outs. He threw 59 strikes out of 84 pitches, setting his season high for pitch count.
Dating back to July 2024, Nelson has made 15 starts with a 2.98 ERA as a starter.
Ryne Nelson, Nasty 85mph Slider. ? pic.twitter.com/glFbEqBKoX
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 27, 2025
RELATED STORIES
Torey Lovullo: Justin Martinez's return 'uplifting' for Diamondbacks' bullpen
Reviewing the Diamondbacks' 1st 50 games: Missed opportunities but evident potential
The right-hander had to deal with some early tough luck on Monday, as Pirates lead-off man Oneil Cruz hit a weak chopper that hugged the third-base line for a double on the first pitch of the game. Nelson worked out of that jam, sitting down eight of the next nine batters with only a ground ball single mixed in.
He worked through the fourth, fifth and sixth innings with only 29 combined pitches, striking out Cruz for a second time to end the fifth. He retired the final eight batters he faced.
Nelson played the role of stopper, as his day ended with the Diamondbacks ahead 5-0 and in position to snap a five-game skid.
Monday was Nelson’s second start since he took over a rotation spot with southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez hitting the 15-day injured list on May 15 (shoulder inflammation).
Nelson delivered five innings with one earned run at Dodger Stadium last week.
He opened the season in the bullpen as the odd man out in a crowded group of starting pitchers. The D-backs have kept him stretched out to a degree as a long man, allowing him to make starts when needed.
What happens to Nelson when Rodriguez returns will be cause for tough discussions, although manager Torey Lovullo said the idea of using the struggling left-hander as a reliever has not come up behind closed doors.
Rodriguez threw three innings and 55 pitches in a simulated game over the weekend and will toss a bullpen on Tuesday. He is eligible to return at the start of June, although Lovullo suggested Nelson will make his next start.
Catch the end of the game on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app.
Follow @alexjweiner
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ryne Nelson shuts down Pirates as pressure to keep him in rotation should be mounting )
Also on site :