PHOENIX – Getting reinforcements for the Arizona Diamondbacks is monumental right now, as it is at exactly the point of the season when they cannot afford to run out of them. With Ryne Nelson coming back, the D-backs get some more pitching stability, but it also raises some questions about whether it will help their postseason push.
Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson (19) pitches in the first inning against the Royals during a game in Phoenix, at Chase Field on July 5, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ryne Nelson set to make return for Diamondbacks:
NEWS: Ryne Nelson will be activated from the 60-Day IL, per @Gambo987.
Derek Law has been designated for assignment. pic.twitter.com/5gNtxbvxkq
— SleeperDiamondbacks (@SleeperDbacks) September 16, 2026
Arizona is activating Ryne Nelson from the 60-day injured list and designating Derek Law for assignment, another indication that the D-backs are prioritizing pitching depth as the postseason race reaches its final stages. Nelson is not returning as a guaranteed savior, as he has not pitched in the majors since June. Arizona does not need Nelson to suddenly become a frontline ace, though. It needs him to give the pitching staff another usable option.
Apr 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson (19) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Nelson recently completed rehabilitation outings, including a September 8 appearance in which he touched 96 mph, before making another appearance with Triple-A Reno. That progression gives Arizona reason to believe he can contribute, even if his workload must be managed carefully. The timing creates an obvious concern, with the question of it being too late to matter. There is also the larger question of whether bringing Nelson back during a playoff push puts too much pressure on a pitcher returning from a significant injury. Those answers will come through performance and workload, not the transaction itself. But the message from Arizona is clear: the D-backs are using every available piece.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson (19) throws against the New York Mets during the first inning at Chase Field on May 5, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
With the postseason race tightening, depth can become the difference between surviving September and watching October from home. Nelson may not transform Arizona’s rotation by himself, but if he can provide meaningful innings, his return could give the D-backs another option, which is something every contender needs down the stretch.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklenÂ
