Milwaukee Brewers: Jimmy Nelson out! WTF?

It turns out the initial diagnosis of ‘right arm soreness’ was incorrect. Really, really incorrect. Milwaukee Brewers starter Jimmy Nelson is out for the rest of the season with a partial tear of his right labrum and a right rotator cuff strain.

Staff ace Jimmy Nelson was injured when he slid into first base in the top of the fifth inning during the Milwaukee Brewers victory on September 8th. He appeared to wince and shake out his arm, but stayed in the game. He even recorded a scoreless fifth inning before giving way to Josh Hader. The original diagnosis didn’t indicate that Nelson would miss any time. Further testing proved that’s no longer the case.

How was Nelson allowed to come back out for the fifth?

Great question. He either talked the Milwaukee Brewers trainer into allowing him to return, or the trainer didn’t think it was serious. Either way, it’s an awful look for the Milwaukee Brewers training staff. Nelson clearly looked like he was hurting.

What’s even more odd is that reports came out early this morning that Nelson only had a ‘jammed right shoulder’ and the team was cautiously optimistic about him. MRIs don’t lie, but human trainers make mistakes.

When will Nelson return to the Brewers?

Another great question. It’s unclear at this point if Nelson’s injuries will require surgery. He won’t take the mound again until Spring Training 2018. The good news here is that he has the entire off-season plus one month to get healthy.

Who’s going to replace Jimmy Nelson?

You can’t replace Jimmy Nelson! The Milwaukee Brewers have yet to commit to a strategy. Brent Suter, Matt Garza, and a farmhand or two are the most likely option to attempt to fill in for the staff ace.

Next: How important is the next series with the Cubs?

Losing Nelson is sure to impact the Milwaukee Brewers playoff push. The team has to find a starter for four out of 20 remaining games. A four-man rotation isn’t an option, and it’s too late to add another pitcher. This is going to test the Brewers pitching depth. If someone like Suter or Garza can step up and fill-in for Nelson, the team still has a shot at October baseball. If not, the team won’t stay in the race for the NL Central or the Wild Card for long.