Ryne Nelson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro reports that Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson will return to the starting rotation with right-hander Corbin Burnes (elbow) going on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday. There's a chance Burnes could have to miss the rest of the 2025 season after injuring his right elbow in his last start on Sunday against the Washington Nationals. If that were to happen, Nelson would obviously have a big opportunity to stick around in Arizona's rotation for the long term, making him a priority waiver-wire addition for fantasy managers in deeper leagues looking for starting-pitching help at this juncture. The 27-year-old could be limited innings-wise in his next start after throwing only four innings on May 31 out of the bullpen. Nelson has never had a strikeout rate above 23.2% in the big leagues but has a decent 3.43 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with a save in 42 innings so far this year in a swing role.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson pitched well in his third start of the season, earning a win in Monday's 5-0 game against the Pirates. Nelson pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and no walks with four strikeouts. Nelson had been pitching out of the bullpen, but his last two appearances have been starts. Manager Terry Lovullo said that Nelson will make his next start on Sunday, so his recent performances have not gone unnoticed. The 27-year-old is now 2-1 with a 3.79 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, and an 8.05 K/9 rate in 38 IP. Nelson has shown signs of fantasy life throughout his career but has never consistently produced. His next start will be a decent matchup against the Nationals, so there's a chance he can extend his strong start streak.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson (shoulder) was activated off the 15-day IL, according to Alex Weiner of KTAR News. Nelson was placed on the IL on September 14 and will return to action quite quickly. However, seeing that Nelson only logged bullpen sessions while he was sidelined suggests he may be deployed in a long relief role down the stretch. Through 147 2/3 innings this summer, the 26-year-old posted a 4.33 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with a 34:125 BB:K ratio. Under the hood, the Oregon State product held a below-average 41.2% hard-hit rate but showed excellent command with a 5.5% BB rate. Fantasy managers should not consider putting Nelson in their lineup over the final series, as he will likely serve as a long relief option.