Impact Nelson, who bounced between the rotation and bullpen the last three seasons, threw a career-high 154.0 innings in 2025. His first 10 appearances were out of the bullpen, before he shifted to the rotation in late May when Corbin Burnes required Tommy John elbow surgery. With Burnes projected out until at least the second half of 2026, Nelson enters spring training with a guaranteed spot in the rotation, per general manager Mike Hazen. With that in mind, the right-hander added muscle and shed body fat during the offseason. Nelson, who has relied heavily on his fastball, also worked on his slider and curveball -- both pitches showed promise in 2025. The goal is to throw those pitches because he believes and trusts in them, and not because he has to use them.
22 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE
