RADIO
Jimmy Nelson 2019 Outlook: Ace Potential Despite Injury
6 years agoJimmy Nelson missed the entirety of the 2018 season while recovering from right shoulder surgery to repair a partially torn labrum and strained rotator cuff, but optimistic reports about his health led many owners to draft him anyway hoping for a big second half (current writer included). It remains to be seen if his injuries will have any lasting effects, but his big 2017 (12-6, 3.49 ERA, 3.15 xFIP, 27.3% K% over 175 1/3 IP) is a tantalizing taste of the upside a healthy Nelson could offer. The Brewers provide an excellent supporting cast, so a healthy Nelson should be able to pile up wins to go along with solid ratios. You can mitigate your risk by seeing how Nelson looks in Spring Training before selecting him, but be warned that he will become much more expensive if he looks healthy in March. Current ADP data suggests that Nelson is virtually free (268.37), so the best play might be to take him now and hope for the best once Spring games start.
