Ryne Nelson is gearing up for an exciting season ahead, prepared to take on the challenge of making over 30 starts in 2026. This offseason, he has dedicated himself to enhancing his physical strength, ensuring he can withstand the demands that come with being a starting pitcher, as reported by Steve Gilbert from MLB.com.
In the past three years, the right-handed pitcher has experienced a bit of a rollercoaster ride, alternating between the rotation and the bullpen. However, he achieved a personal milestone in 2025 by pitching a career-high of 154.0 innings. His journey began with his first ten outings coming from the bullpen, but everything changed in late May when Corbin Burnes underwent Tommy John surgery, paving the way for Nelson to step into a starting role. Given that Burnes is expected to be sidelined until at least the second half of the 2026 season, Nelson is set to enter spring training with a firm spot in the rotation, according to general manager Mike Hazen.
Nelson has primarily relied on his fastball in the past, but he is also focusing on refining his slider and curveball, both of which showed significant potential during the 2025 season. This commitment to improving his secondary pitches could be a game-changer in how he performs this year.
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