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Dodgers sign Jimmy Nelson to one-year deal

The 30-year-old pitcher will have an option in 2021.

MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

In an offseason full of silence from the Dodgers front office, there is finally something to chatter about. The Dodgers signed right-handed pitcher Jimmy Nelson for a one year with an option in 2021, per Jorge Castillo with the Los Angeles Times.

The Brewers failed to sign him to a deal in December, making Nelson a free agent. Nelson missed the entirety of the 2018 season with a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder. In 2019, he only pitched in 10 games as he dealt with an elbow injury.

If Nelson can stay healthy in 2020, he has the opportunity to make an extra buck or two.

He joins an interesting Dodgers team, where he might have the opportunity to split time between the starting rotation and the bullpen. His role may, however, look similar to that of Julio Urías from last season, where he spent a majority of the time as a reliever, but had the capability to spot start to give some starters a rest. Now, according to Castillo, he can win a spot in the starting rotation with his performance in spring training.

Some other contract details:

It’s a long offseason, so let’s hope this builds momentum for the Dodgers front office to make more deals.