Diamondbacks plan to move Corbin Burnes up in rotation, push back Ryne Nelson

PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks plan to slightly rearrange their starting rotation, moving ace Corbin Burnes up to Sunday’s home game against the Washington Nationals, manager Torey Lovullo said.

The move keeps Burnes on regular rest, considering the D-backs get Thursday off before starting a three-game series with the Nationals, followed by a Monday off day.

It also gives Ryne Nelson two additional days of rest after he threw a season-high 84 pitches in Monday’s win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Nelson is expected to start on Tuesday at the Atlanta Braves.

“It’s in no way an indication that (Nelson is) not healthy. He feels great,” Lovullo said.

Nelson has been filling in while Eduardo Rodriguez is on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation. Rodriguez is scheduled to throw in the Arizona Complex League on Friday, but how many rehab starts he needs is to be announced.

Nelson started the year in the bullpen and remained as stretched out as a long reliever can be. He threw 71 pitches in a five-inning start at Dodger Stadium last week before tossing 6.2 scoreless innings on Monday.

Lovullo mentioned the recovery process for Nelson has been difficult between outings.

“He’s healthy, but I know what it feels like the next morning when he goes too hard, too long. It’s a tough recovery for him,” Lovullo said on Monday.

Burnes, meanwhile, is coming off a performance in which he threw seven innings with two earned runs against the Pirates.

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