Diamondbacks 5, Cubs 2: AZ puts Chicago in a Full Nelson

Record: 50-48. Pace: 83-79. Change on 2023: -4.

Over the winter, the D-backs added Jordan Montgomory and Eduardo Rodriguez to bolster a rotation led by third-place Cy Young finisher Zac Gallen, with support from Merrill Kelly and his 131 ERA+, plus blossoming post-season hero, Brandon Pfaadt. Given all that, give yourself a round of applause if you predicted Ryne Nelson would be the first pitcher for Arizona to record seven wins in 2024. Of course, pitcher wins are an imperfect metric. And it’s also true that Nelson has had more chances, in terms of both starts and innings pitched, than any Diamondbacks pitcher bar Pfaadt. But if recent starts are any guide, he seems to be deserving of the…