Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said that Nelson will likely begin the season in the bullpen if the team's current six starters are on the roster and healthy at the end of spring training. "For right now, I think that's not a bad way to help him develop," Ro

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said that Nelson will likely begin the season in the bullpen if the team's current six starters are on the roster and healthy at the end of spring training. "For right now, I think that's not a bad way to help him develop," Roenicke said.

Analysis:

Roenicke made a point to say that the team views Nelson as a starter for the long haul, and of course, health is not a given for the starters currently ahead of him on the depth chart. The Brewers are in need of bullpen help, and outside of adding a left-hander to replace the departed Zach Duke, internal candidates are likely to be utilized to replace Francisco Rodriguez. Moreover, the Brewers may not have Jim Henderson or Tyler Thornburg in the mix to begin the season as both pitchers are recovering from arm injuries. Nelson figures to report to spring training and stretch out as a starter, so a final decision regarding his role to begin the year may not come until the end of spring training.