The Dodgers signed Jimmy Nelson before the 2020 season, but he didn’t pitch that year because of a back injury just before the shortened season began. He re-signed with Los Angeles in 2021 and pitched extremely well, posting a 1.86 ERA in 28 games. Unfortunately, those 28 games were interrupted by trips to the injured list for a forearm issue and a back issue, and his season was ultimately cut short by an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon repair.
The Dodgers brought Nelson back on a one-year deal for 2022 with a team option for 2023, knowing he was unlikely to pitch at all last year.