Dodgers decline option on righty Nelson

The Dodgers declined a 2021 contract option on right-hander Jimmy Nelson, who is now a free agent. Nelson did not pitch in 2020 because of back surgery.

Nelson was signed last offseason to a contract paying $750,000 with a 2021 option for $2 million or a $500,000 buyout. He was signed to provide starting pitching depth.

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Nelson, 31, was a rehab project, having missed the entire 2018 season and all but 22 innings of ’19 after shoulder surgery. In ’17 with Milwaukee, he went 12-6 with a 3.49 ERA. That was his third straight season pitching at least 175 innings.

Nelson is the Dodgers’ eighth free agent, joining right-handers Pedro Báez and Blake Treinen; left-handers Jake McGee and Alex Wood; infielder/outfielder Kiké Hernández, outfielder Joc Pederson and third baseman Justin Turner