Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed pitcher Kyle Nelson will make his first career start in Sunday’s series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies.
D-backs manager Torey Lovullo announced the starter following Saturday’s 4-0 loss at Citizens Bank Park.
Nelson has made 30 total appearances in his three-year big-league career, all of which have come out of the bullpen.
The 25-year-old lefty is having the best year of his career thus far in his first season in Arizona.
In 19 outings this year, Nelson is 1-0 with a 2.04 ERA, 1.019 WHIP and a 9.7 K/9 across 17.2 innings pitched.
That most likely points to Lovullo throwing a “bullpen game” in which a variety of relievers will pitch for the Diamondbacks in lieu of a traditional starter.
There was a chance right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver was going to get the spot start in place of the injured Humberto Castellanos, according to the Associated Press.
In a rehab start for the Triple-A Reno Aces on Tuesday, Weaver went four innings and allowed one run on three hits (one home run) and no walks while striking out three.
However, with Weaver in Philadelphia — according to Bally Sports’ Steve Berthiaume — it remains possible that Lovullo could call up the right-hander in order to contribute in the aforementioned bullpen game.
The D-backs play the three-game series finale on Sunday at 10:35 a.m. on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
Phillies LHP Ranger Suarez (4-3, 4.42 ERA) is scheduled to start against Nelson.