The Arizona Diamondbacks placed right-hander Ryne Nelson on the 15-day injured list with a strained right elbow, a significant blow to an MLB rotation already short on margin.
MLB's official transaction log lists the move on June 19, retroactive to June 16. Arizona recalled right-hander Yilber Diaz from Triple-A Reno in the corresponding transaction.
Nelson Injury Hits Arizona Rotation
MLB Trade Rumors reported, citing John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix, that Nelson has a partially torn forearm flexor. The team transaction describes the injury more narrowly as a strained right elbow, so the exact recovery path remains tied to further medical decisions.
A flexor injury does not automatically mean surgery, but it usually means the Diamondbacks are not dealing with a short reset. MLBTR wrote that Nelson faces a lengthy absence regardless of whether surgery becomes the route.
Nelson, 28, had made 15 starts for Arizona this season. MLB's season pitching log lists him at 3-5 with a 4.97 ERA, 83 1/3 innings, 62 strikeouts and a 1.24 WHIP.
Those numbers were not carrying the staff by themselves, but Nelson had been part of a stable group. MLBTR noted that Arizona had recently leaned on the same five starters: Merrill Kelly, Nelson, Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Soroka.
Diaz Recalled From Reno
Diaz gives Arizona the immediate roster answer. MLB's transaction log identifies him as a right-handed pitcher recalled from the Reno Aces, and the league player file lists him as a 25-year-old Venezuelan pitcher who debuted in 2024.
The recall does not by itself settle the rotation plan. MLBTR reported that Brandon Pfaadt had been sent down to get stretched back out as a starter and could factor into the back-end picture if Arizona needs a longer replacement for Nelson.
The Diamondbacks' deadline posture also becomes harder to read. MLBTR noted that general manager Mike Hazen has said he is planning on buying, but losing another starter puts more pressure on the club to decide whether internal coverage is enough.
For now, the verified part is clear: Nelson is on the 15-day IL, Diaz is back from Reno, and Arizona has to patch a rotation spot while it waits for the next medical step on Nelson's elbow.