Jimmy Nelson selected by Dodgers, as 36 players remain in camp with tough decisions to come

The Dodgers have cut down the amount of players in major league camp to 36, shedding nine players in the most recent rounds of cuts, including legitimate roster candidates Garrett Cleavinger and Sheldon Neuse. Meanwhile, much to the delight of at least one Dodgers Digest writer, Jimmy Nelson was added to the 40-man.

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Earlier in the week, the Dodgers reassigned seven players: left-handed pitchers Garrett Cleavinger, James Pazos, and Mike Kickham, right-handed pitcher Nick Robertson, first basemen Matt Davidson and Rangel Ravelo, and catcher Tim Federowicz. The only one with a chance at making the Opening Day roster there was Cleavinger, who had 5.40 ERA in 6.2 innings, but also had 12 strikeouts and showed an uptick in velocity from 94-95 mph to 96-97 mph.

Additionally, Tommy Kahnle was put on the 60-day injured list to clear room to add Jimmy Nelson to the 40-man, and Sheldon Neuse was optioned.

“These guys gave me an opportunity last year, but I definitely felt like this is the right place to be to help me stay healthy and develop,” Nelson said earlier this spring. “I couldn’t be happier.”

The cuts means there’s 36 players left in major league camp, including 19 pitchers. Of course, pitchers Brandon Morrow, Mitch White, Brusdar Graterol, and Joe Kelly won’t be ready for Opening Day with injuries, so realistically that’s 32 left in camp and 15 pitchers.

The key decisions will likely be deciding on two or three of Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Dennis Santana and Scott Alexander, and one or two of Zach McKinstry, Matt Beaty and Edwin Rios. It’s tough, but a good problem to have.

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Meanwhile, the other guys who will definitely be on the team are getting prank called by Justin Turner.