Dodgers continue to add pieces

LOS ANGELES — I like Jimmy Nelson. A lot. The guy is a competitor who fought his way onto the Dodgers roster last year. And when he’s healthy, the dude’s stuff is nasty. Like Will Smith can’t catch it kind of nasty. Like Nelson himself doesn’t know where it’s going nasty. And Dodger fans get the man they call the Big Sweat for another year at least. According to published reports on Thursday, Nelson agreed to terms with the Dodgers for the 2022 season with a club option for ’23.

Nelson, 32, appeared in 28 games for the Dodgers last season, going 1-2 with a 1.86 ERA (6 ER/29.0 IP) and 44 strikeouts. He was placed on the injured list on August 4, 2021, with right elbow inflammation and missed the rest of the season after having season-ending Tommy John surgery. The Florida native has been with the Dodgers since 2020 and he has completed parts of seven seasons in the Major Leagues. In his MLB career, he is 34-48 with a 4.12 ERA (303 ER/662.1 IP) and 622 strikeouts.

Of course, the recovery from Tommy John will take a while, so don’t expect to see him on the mound at Chavez Ravine anytime soon. But who knows, he might be available as a bullpen arm or to spell some guys down the stretch. And if he heals up okay, he could be a potent force out of the pen next season as well.