Five months ago, doctors revealed Jacob Nix had sustained something between a Grade 1 and Grade 2 tear on the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, in addition to chronic wear and tear. The path forward was up to the Padres’ 23-year-old pitcher and his decision – a plasma-rich platelet injection and rehab over Tommy John surgery – has Nix nearing consideration for the big league staff. His fastball has been up to 94 mph in his most recent rehab starts and he will make his next appearance for Triple-A El Paso after throwing 77 pitches in 4 2/3 innings at hitter-friendly Lancaster on Tuesday.
Talking with ... Padres pitcher Jacob Nix
