Nick

Nelson

Nelson falls victim to a roster crunch as the Phillies needed to bring up some emergency catching depth with J.T. Realmuto banged up. The 28-year-old righty has made only four relief appearances this season in the big leagues.

Nelson is back with the Phillies for the first time since the first half of April. He’s been toying with a knuckleball while working in relief for the IronPigs. He had a 6.30 ERA in 50 innings overall in Triple-A, but he’d come in at 2.55 in 17 2/3 innings since the beginning of August.

Nelson passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment on Sunday. The 28-year-old righty made only three relief appearances for the Phillies back in April before being shipped to the minors for good.

With Orion Kerkering set to return from the injured list on Sunday, someone needed to get the boot from the Phillies’ bullpen and unfortunately Nelson drew the short straw this time. The 28-year-old hurler posted a 5.40 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and a 5/0 K/BB ratio over 3 1/3 innings in three appearances with the Phillies. He’ll assuredly get another opportunity to work out of the Phillies’ bullpen again before the end of the season.

Nelson will take the place of Luis Ortiz on the active roster, as Ortiz was placed on the injured list by the Phillies on Sunday with a sprained left ankle. While with the club, Nelson will provide multi-inning relief; likely in low-leverage situations.

None of these moves comes as much of a surprise. Nelson was solid as a starter and reliever for the organization last year, and he figures to serve as valuable pitching depth over the course of the season.

The 27-year-old posted a 3.83 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 92/43 across 115 innings in the Phillies minor league system this season. Nelson will likely get an inning or two for the Phillies final game before the postseason begins.

Nelson has been on the shelf all season due to a left hamstring strain and will continue building up as a starting pitcher in the upper minors after wrapping up his rehab assignment.

Nelson is scheduled for another bullpen session on Monday as he continues to work his way back from a left hamstring strain.

Nelson’s absence puts some additional strain on the Phillies’ relief depth at the outset of the regular season, but he doesn’t figure to require a lengthy absence.