The Arizona Diamondbacks were able to squeeze out a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday at Chase Field in Phoenix. For Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson, it was a full-circle moment.

Nelson, who is originally from Henderson, Nev., grew up going to Angels games, and he has held reverence for 11-time All-Star and three-time MVP, Mike Trout.

"For sure, I used to go to the games and watch that guy play," Nelson told Arizona Sports and other attending media after the game. "I've probably seen him play in person more than anybody else. So, it's kind of surreal to be playing against him and competing with him. And yeah, and Albert Pujols and all those guys, definitely big fans of them growing up."

It is not the first time Nelson has faced the Angels in his five-year career, and he was able to go seven innings in the outing and strike out five batters while allowing nine hits and two earned runs. Nelson actually gave up a solo home run to Trout in the fifth inning, which tied the game at 2-2.

Despite his fandom growing up, Nelson knows that he is not in this situation as a fan. Rather, he is a player who has earned the right to share the field and compete against someone of Trout’s caliber.

"I know I belong here, too," Nelson said. "So it's not as much of like, who is this guy? I try to just play my game and execute my pitches."

Nelson’s efforts in his 15th start of the season earned him the winning decision, and he moved to 3-5 on the year. Through those 15 starts, Nelson has a 4.97 ERA through 83.1 innings of work.

Nelson, 28, was selected by the Diamondbacks with the 56th pick in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Oregon University. Despite not getting to have a minor-league season in 2020 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nelson had a strong 2021 season with High-A Hillsboro and Double-A Amarillo. 

After going 4-1 with a 2.51 ERA over eight starts with Hillsboro and 3-3 with a 3.51 ERA over 14 starts with Amarillo during the 2021 season, Nelson made his way to Triple-A Reno in 2022.

A strong season at the Triple-A level led to Nelson getting called up, and he made his MLB debut on Sept. 5, 2022, where he faced the San Diego Padres and struck out seven batters while only allowing four hits over seven shutout innings. With such a strong outing, Nelson earned the winning decision.

Don’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It’s completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!