Jimmy Nelson has earned a job with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers after missing last season due to a back injury.
The Dodgers selected the 31-year-old pitcher to the 40-man roster Thursday and he signed a contract that pays $1.25 million while in the major leagues and $150,000 while in the minors.
Nelson allowed an unearned run over seven innings in four spring training appearances, giving up four hits and holding batters to a .160 average. He struck out nine and walked one.
Nelson can earn $1.5 million in performance bonuses for innings: $250,000 each for 90 and each additional 15 through 165. He also can earn $1 million for games: $250,000 apiece for 40, 50, 60 and 65.
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Nelson signed with the Dodgers before last season but they said July 6 he needed lower back surgery and he didn't pitch all season. He had $277,778 in prorated pay from his $750,000 base salary. Nelson was among 11 major leaguers whose salaries were less than the $286,500 advance they received when the season’s start was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Los Angeles declined his $2 million option in November, triggering a $500,000 buyout and allowing him to become a free agent. The right-hander agreed to a minor league contract with the Dodgers the following month.
Nelson, who turns 32 on June 5, is 33-46 with a 4.22 ERA in 119 career games, all with Milwaukee. He had a career year with the Brewers in 2017, with a 3.49 ERA and 199 strikeouts in 29 starts, then missed all of 2018 after right shoulder surgery. He was limited to 22 innings in 2019 due to elbow problems.
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Los Angeles opened a roster spot by transferring right-hander Tommy Kahnle to the 60-day injured list. Kahnle is recovering from Tommy John surgery on Aug. 5 and agreed in December to a $4.75 million, two-year deal with the Dodgers.
Infielder Sheldon Neuse was optioned to minor league camp.
