2020 Dodgers in review: Jimmy Nelson

Jimmy Nelson was signed as a free-agent last offseason, but never got to appear in a single game for the Dodgers.

Back in early July, the team announced that Nelson would undergo surgery on his lower back, ending his season before it could even began. There was a lot of intrigue surrounding Nelson, as he had experience as both a starter and a reliever with the Brewers. With a loaded rotation, Nelson likely would’ve spent most his time in the bullpen, but probably would have made a start or two throughout the course of the year.

“It’s been something that’s been lingering for quite some time,” manager Dave Roberts said in regards to him getting the surgery. “With him we just couldn’t get him on track. Physically there were days that he felt well, but then the back, the arm, different things kept popping up. So we just couldn’t get any traction with him. I know he was frustrated throughout the spring and after quarantining and getting some time off he just never really came around.”

Nelson was fantastic for Milwaukee in 2017, finishing ninth in Cy Young Award voting. However he missed all of 2018, most of 2019 and then missed all of 2020.

Nelson signed a one-year, incentive-laden contract with the Dodgers worth a total of $1.25 million guaranteed. The deal includes a $2 million club option for 2021, with a $500,000 buyout.

2020 particulars

Age: 31

Stats: N/A

Salary: $750,000

Roster status

The Dodgers on October 30 declined Nelson’s $2 million club option for 2020. His buyout was worth $500,000. Nelson is now a free-agent.