{"id":16736,"date":"2019-02-04T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2019-02-04T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/\/?p=16736"},"modified":"2019-02-03T14:39:25","modified_gmt":"2019-02-03T19:39:25","slug":"the-return-of-brewers-starter-jimmy-nelson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2019\/02\/04\/the-return-of-brewers-starter-jimmy-nelson\/","title":{"rendered":"The Return of Brewers Starter Jimmy Nelson"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2017, Jimmy Nelson<\/a> was the Milwaukee Brewers ace. The prospect that had dominated in the minor leagues had fully arrived.\u00a0 But, he wasn’t just and ace, he was also one of the best pitchers in the National League. \u00a0Pitching at the top of the rotation for Milwaukee, his dominance helped take the Brewers from a rebuilding team to contenders.\u00a0 Though not expected to contend, the 2017 Brewers’ battled until the final week of the season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nelson’s tough End to 2017<\/h3>\n

But while his season was great, the end was trying for Nelson. On September 8th, while shutting out the Cubs at Wrigley Field Nelson season saw a drastic end. After singling, Nelson slid back into first base and injured his shoulder. \u00a0The injury would keep him out for not only the rest of the season, but also cost him the entire 2018 season, too. As the Brewers had one of the best years ever in 2018, Nelson was a spectator.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nelson’s Improvements<\/h3>\n

Heading into 2019 however, Nelson\u2019s return is a major reason why the Brewers have not needed to add another arm this winter. In 2017, Nelson finished the year with a 12-6 record and a 3.49 ERA. He also had a career low 1.24 WHIP and averaged 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from these numbers, Nelson showed tremendous improvement in command.\u00a0 Pitching in almost an identical amount of innings, he struck out 59 more hitters in 2017 than 2016.\u00a0 He also saw his walk and hit by pitch numbers which both led the league in 2016 shrink in half in 2017. This improved command through the season allowed him to finish seventh in the Cy Young voting at season’s end.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While there are lingering questions if he can repeat his career year, adding that potential to the top of the rotation gives plenty of hope. The team was one win away from the World Series and getting Nelson back should help push another October run.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coming back from labrum surgery, which is a very difficult procedure to come off of, Nelson is confident in his abilities. Though the surgery is a bit of an unknown he is anxious to get back and lead the Brewers’ staff again. After a full recovery he has spent all offseason without restrictions and preparing for 2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Confidence in Return<\/h3>\n

This past weekend at Brewers\u2019 On-Deck, Nelson was very outspoken in his expectations.\u00a0 He believes he will be back and better than ever.\u00a0 Not only is he fully ready to pitch again, but his words show he is ready to be the ace again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Jimmy Nelson said he will be full go heading into spring training, with no restrictions physically. Does he expect to be on the opening day roster? "Absolutely. But not just opening-day roster. One of my goals is to start opening day. I'm not going to beat around the bush."<\/p>\n

— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) January 27, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n