Brewers starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson (hamstring) impressed manager Ron Roenicke as he threw batting practice Friday, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“The last two times I’ve seen him throw, I really liked it. Just better command with his stuff,” Roenicke. "We’re trying to simplify things for him a little bit.
“First, we have to get him locked in with his fastball, get it over the plate, down, so he can attack hitters with it. He has come up with a curveball this year and I like it. It’s a nice curveball. With all of his pitches, I’m liking what I’m seeing.”
Nelson relied primarily on his fastball and sinker last season. He did throw a changeup, but he didn't throw it much. With the addition of a curveball, the Brewers are hoping it will aid his other pitches.
“He throws a changeup but he’s thinking this will help,” Roenicke said. “He’s still working on his changeup and he’ll see which one comes out better.
“He’ll throw all four (pitches). I don’t think he’ll get rid of one. But in different games you go sometimes with a different offspeed, depending on which is working better that day.”