MLB.com Ranks Jimmy Nelson No. 83 On Top 100 Prospect List

Mandatory Credit: Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

For the second straight year, the Milwaukee Brewers have a lone representative on MLB.com’s Top 100 Prospect list. In 2013 Wily Peralta made the list at N0. 64, while this year starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson cracks the top 100 at No. 83.

The list is assembled by Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis, along with MLBPipeline.com. Only players who have rookie status in 2014 are eligible to make the list.

Nelson, 24, put together a fantastic season between Double-A and Triple-A last season. In Double-A, he went 5-4 with a 2.74 ERA in 12 starts. For Triple-A Nashville, the right-hander posted 3.67 ERA in 15 starts.

He earned a September call-up with the Brewers, where he made four appearances (one start) and boasted a 0.90 ERA. He allowed only two hits in 10 innings.

But despite his success, manager Ron Roenicke is unsure if Nelson is Major League ready.

“It may be too soon, but we’ll have discussions on that,” Roenicke said on Sep. 28 after the game in which Nelson made his first MLB start. “He’s coming along fast, but I think he needs to pitch some more. He’s got good stuff. I like him.”

With the abundance of pitchers who are currently vying for a roster spot it seems likely Nelson will start the 2014 season in the minors, and if the reported deal with Matt Garza comes to fruition, it’s basically a guarantee.

As for next year’s list, watch out for outfielder Tyrone Taylor, whom Baseball America ranked as the second-best prospect in Milwaukee’s organization.