Projections are best taken with a side-helping of humility. When it comes to Justin Nicolino, the Miami Marlins are making a meal of it. As one of the headlining prospects in the blockbuster trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, Nicolino has failed to impress.
Miami tried without success on a number of occasions to cement him in the starting rotation. For every good start he made, three poor ones would follow. After 47 Major League appearances, he’s consistently been a below-average performer.
Now the Marlins appear ready to move him into the bullpen full-time.
There is some merit to moving a failed starter into the bullpen.