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Torey Lovullo Confirms Ryne Nelson's Rehab Game to Boost Diamondbacks' Playoff Hopes
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- Torey Lovullo Confirms Ryne Nelson's Rehab Game to Boost Diamondbacks' Playoff Hopes
Ryne Nelson is nearing a return to the Arizona Diamondbacks , with manager Torey Lovullo providing an encouraging update on the right-hander's recovery.
Nelson is scheduled to pitch in a formal minor league rehab game with Single-A Visalia, according to Alex D'Agostino. The appearance will mark his first game action since suffering a right elbow injury in June.
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Lovullo's update comes at an important time for Arizona, which is battling to stay in the National League postseason picture.
Nelson was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 19 with a strained right elbow before being transferred to the 60-day IL six days later. MLB's official records list the injury as a strained right elbow.
Before the injury, Nelson made 15 starts and went 3-5 with a 4.97 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 62 strikeouts over 83.1 innings. His return would give Arizona another experienced arm with the flexibility to work out of the bullpen.
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The Diamondbacks entered Wednesday at 73-67, sitting third in the NL West and 9.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers . They are also competing with the San Diego Padres in a tight Wild Card race.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Nelson's role could ultimately be different from the one he held before the injury. Rather than immediately returning to the rotation, Arizona is targeting him for bullpen work once he completes his rehab progression.
That could prove valuable for Lovullo's club, particularly with the postseason race entering its decisive stretch.
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For now, the focus is on getting Nelson through his upcoming appearance in Visalia. A successful outing would move the right-hander another step closer to helping the Diamondbacks in September.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
