Reliever Nelson still going after 4 surgeries

Joe Nelson won the last game ever played at Shea Stadium. He received a World Series ring for pitching just three games with the Boston Red Sox.

The reliever's other career milestones are less joyous _ four serious surgeries, seven major league organizations and too many grueling days of rehabilitation for him to count.

Now Nelson faces another challenge. He's one of about a half dozen pitchers competing for the lone vacancy in Boston's bullpen, a hurdle his history of dealing with adversity may help him overcome.

"I thrive in situations like that," the right-hander said Sunday. "I love the game. I'm 35 and I still get to play a game …