Nettles played for the Omaha Royals of the American Association in 1978 and 1979. In September 1979, the Royals promoted Nettles to the major leagues. He played in 11 games for Kansas City.
The Omaha Royals featured Nettles in 1978 and 1979. Later that year, the Royals upgraded Nettles to the major leagues, and he appeared in 11 contests for Kansas City.