Nelson returns home for birth of twins

The start of Brewers right-hander Jimmy Nelson’s rehab assignment has been put on hold for something much bigger than baseball. Nelson and his wife Melissa, after a challenging pregnancy, became first-time parents on Sunday morning.

Nelson shared the news via Twitter.

“It’s been an up and down journey that has just begun but early this morning Riley James and Naomi Lynn were born; at 3lbs 10oz each,” Nelson wrote, “and although they couldn’t wait another month they’ll keep fighting just like their momma.”

Nelson was originally scheduled to be in San Antonio on Sunday for what was to be his first non-exhibition game since injuring his shoulder at Wrigley Field in September 2017. But throughout his throwing program this spring he has kept a close eye on Melissa back home in Houston as she navigated a pregnancy that required several medical interventions. Nelson opted to share that journey with Brewers fans via social media, posting about it first in January just as the Brewers were preparing to begin Spring Training.

When Nelson and the team determines the time is right, he will resume his comeback. He threw five innings in his most recent outing at extended spring training in Phoenix.