Nelson (2-2) allowed two runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out eight over six innings in Tuesday's win over the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

It was Nelson's second straight eight-strikeout performance and his third this season -- he reached eight strikeouts on only two occasions all of last year (32 starts). The right-hander kept the Padres off the board until the sixth inning Tuesday and issued just one walk, lowering his BB/9 to 3.05 (from 4.3 in 2016). His strikeout rate is up as well with improved velocity, but Nelson will face a tough test Sunday as he draws the Cubs at Wrigley Field.