Nelson threw two scoreless innings of relief, allowing three hits and striking out one, in Thursday's loss to the Cubs.
Nelson made his first big-league appearance since June 25, and he avoided any tallies on the scoreboard despite also hitting a batter and uncorking a wild pitch. Nelson threw 30 pitches Thursday and did not throw more than 37 pitches in any of his last 12 outings with Triple-A San Antonio, so it's likely he will be locked into a bullpen role for the rest of the season.