This afternoon, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle confirmed that Juan Nicasio will be slotted in as Pittsburgh’s fifth starter in the rotation. Nicasio, who signed with the Pirates on Dec. 10, has earned this right after coming off of impressive play in Spring Training.
Rob Biertempfel of the Trib had the news first.
Juan Nicasio will be in #pirates starting. rotation. Ryan Vogelsong to bullpen.
— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) March 30, 2016
The 29-year-old right hander came into Pittsburgh with uncertainty. After five years in the MLB, Nicasio has an overall stat line of 22 wins, 25 losses, an ERA of 4.88, in 439.1 innings. When news broke about his signing, it looked to be a cheap reclamation project or just to add some depth to the pitching staff.
Fast-forward four days before Opening Day and many fans would be surprised to learn that a little-known name would beat out his competition to complete the Pirates rotation. In spring ball, Nicasio pitched in five games, gave up zero runs and struck out 24. Ryan Vogelsong will now be put into the bullpen for long relief and emergency starter duty.
Juan the Star
Nicasio has had a rough career thus far, no doubt. But, the Pirates have developed a pitching staff that has been able to revive careers of many talented pitchers, with their newest project being Nicasio.
The Dominican Republic native has a heavy reliance on his fastball, but also has throws a slider and change-up. His pitching selection and usage can be seen below, according to Fangraphs.com:
Fastball 72.4 percent (93 mph); Slider 21.4 percent (84 mph); Change-up 6.1 percent (85 mph); Other 1 perc.ent
His fastball may not be able to blow anyone away, but his ability to punch out batters is a gift that not all pitchers have. His 24 strikeouts in Spring Training alone has been a major advocate for being awarded the fifth spot.
Nicasio will need to show consistency in stamina and pitch variation. Vogelsong, although having a not-so-stellar Spring Training, is always an option for Hurdle and would be used should Nicasio not live up to the promise he has shown.
Juan the Uncertain
Nicasio will need to develop his pitching selection more in order to be a consistent starter. Although his original signing was to add depth in the bullpen, there is uncertainty on whether or not he will be able to handle working every fifth game.
His dependence on the fastball could also be troublesome. If he is able to show more movement on his slider and throw in a strong changeup, Nicasio may be able to stand the test of the season. But, if he continues to rely on his four-seam, batters may be able to tee him up considering he doesn’t have overwhelming speed.
With most of his career coming out of the bullpen, it will be interesting to see how he will be able to hold up and if he can consistently pitch past five innings. Hurdle had this to say following the decision:
“One of the things we’ve talked with [Nicasio] about is just staying focused in the moment. It’s just one pitch at a time. When that hitter’s done, then it’s just the next hitter. It’s not five innings. It’s not six innings. Now, how does that go into the season? Now, he’s going to get that opportunity.”
The Pirates will begin the regular season this Sunday at PNC Park against the St. Louis Cardinals at 1:05 p.m.
