So I woke up this morning scrolling through MLB updates like always when I saw Ryne Nelson’s name pop up with ‘shoulder soreness’. My coffee almost went cold right there. Honestly? My gut dropped. This guy’s been grinding all season, you know? Just last week I watched him pitch six solid innings against the Dodgers. Now this? Right when we’re clawing our way up the standings.
My Morning Routine Turned Research Frenzy
First thing? I slammed my laptop open. Spent two hours straight digging through every sports site, Twitter rumors, even checked team forums. Reports say it’s rotator cuff inflammation – no surgery talk yet, thank god. But then I remembered last year’s guy who had similar stuff… out for 60 games. Panic mode kicked in.
- Refreshed the Diamondbacks injury page every 15 minutes
- Texted my buddy who works stats for a minor league team – “How bad?” He just sent back a grim face emoji.
- Checked Nelson’s spin rate charts from his last start. Fastball dipped 200 RPM. Not good.
Game Night Was Just… Different
Made my usual game snacks – extra spicy wings this time, needed comfort. Watched us play the Giants. Without Nelson starting? You could feel the scramble. Bullpen was working overtime by the 5th inning. Saw Kelly pacing like a caged tiger. Third baseman kept glancing toward the dugout after every pitch.
What it really means for us? Let’s break it down cold:
- Our rotation depth? Paper-thin now. Pavin Smith’s getting bumped up – love the guy but his ERA’s scary
- Bullpen’s gonna be gassed by August. Saw Gallegton rubbing his elbow after the 7th
- Trades? Front office will panic-buy some aging arm for too many prospects, watch
Where I Land After All This
Sitting here at midnight with empty wing bones everywhere. Stats tell one story – ERA spikes, WAR dips. But what sticks? Watching Marte strike out staring at the mound like Nelson should’ve been there. That’s the real impact. Team morale’s dragging. Front office better move fast or this playoff dream? Gone by Labor Day.
Personal takeaway? Always pack your rotation deeper than you think you need. My beer league team’s getting two new pitchers next week. Screw the budget.
