Nelson (elbow) will begin a throwing program Saturday or Sunday, Alex D'Agostino of SI.com reports.
Manager Torey Lovullo said Saturday that Nelson has shown a lot of improvement since landing on the injured list June 19 with a strained elbow. The team still believes that the right-hander will be able to pitch again for the big club this season, though it's unclear whether he'll do so as a starter or reliever. A better idea of his return timeline and expected role should emerge as he clears hurdles in his throwing program.