It’s Jimmy Nelson time in Milwaukee. For weeks, Brewers nation has been clamoring for his call-up and getting the young prospect in the rotation. That time has finally arrived. With Wei-Chung Wang heading to the disabled list with shoulder tightness, number five starter Marco Estrada has been moved to the bullpen and Nelson will step into his rotation spot. With the team marred in their worst slump of the season, there is hope that Nelson can continue to shine in the major league rotation.
Although he is not one of the biggest named prospects in the minor leagues, Nelson has certainly pitched like it. Through 17 minor league starts, no one has pitched better. He not only is 10-2, but he holds a microscopic 1.42 ERA. By striking out over a batter per inning, Nelson has been able to hold batters to a 1.79 ERA. Currently he leads the Pacific Coast League in wins, ERA, strikeouts, and WHIP. All season he has been flat out dealing. In a spot start against the Miami Marlins this season, Nelson looked just as good. Nelson held Miami scoreless pitching 5.2 innings while striking out six and was able to record his first major league win.
With his entrance to the rotation, the homer-happy Marco Estrada will be moved to the bullpen. After having a dominant second half of the season, and a great spring Estrada has struggled mightily, allowing a league leading 27 homeruns. By moving to the bullpen he moves to a familiar role which he has excelled at in years past.
Nelson’s first start will be one of the biggest of the Brewers’ season so far as he faces the pesky, divisional rival, St. Louis Cardinals, who have been steadily creeping back in the race. One factor that surely played a role in his promotion is Estrada’s 0-5 record against St. Louis with an inflated 5.60 ERA. Looking to gain momentum and hold ground before the all-star break, Estrada cannot be trusted to start against such a tough divisional foe.
Many teams make July trades to help bolster their club, but Milwaukee is hoping that the addition of Jimmy Nelson can be just as big of a move. He has been dominant in AAA and now it is time for the 25-year-old right-hander to prove his worth at the major league level.
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Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
