4 pitchers Dombrowski says could provide valuable depth to Phillies rotation in 2024
By Matt Dargan
Nick Nelson
Nick Nelson is another pitcher who has seen time with the Philadelphia Phillies. The 28-year-old right-hander spent considerable time with the team in 2022, but spent most of this past season pitching for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Will Nick Nelson have a role with the 2024 Phillies?
Nelson appeared in 47 games (two starts) for the 2022 Phillies, pitching to a record of 3-2 and a 4.85 ERA in 68 2/3 innings while mostly coming out of the bullpen. Curiously lost in the shuffle of bullpen arms during the 2023 season, Nelson was called up to make one start with the big club on Oct. 1 and secured his lone victory in a five-inning appearance.
Nelson spent time at three minor league levels in 2023, and his numbers were overall pretty solid. In 25 games (all starts), Nelson compiled a 7-3 record with a 3.83 ERA in 115 innings pitched. Securing a roster spot with a big league club is never easy, but Nelson's fate might have been sealed when he suffered a left hamstring strain at the end of Spring Training.
With the emergence of Cristopher Sánchez as a fifth starter and the signing of Dylan Covey in May, it's possible Nelson was blocked by a numbers crunch on the 26-man roster. It will be interesting to see what the Phillies want to do with Nelson in 2024. Could he emerge as a reliable bullpen option like Jeff Hoffman? Don't be surprised if Nick Nelson makes a spot start or two next season.