FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Right-hander Juan Nicasio continued his impressive spring by throwing five scoreless frames to help lead the Pirates to a 2-0 win over the Twins on Monday at Hammond Stadium.
Nicasio has yet to allow a run in 15 innings this spring, giving up 10 hits and five walks while striking out 24. He scattered five hits and two walks against the Twins with eight strikeouts. He's now struck out 18 in nine innings over his two outings.
Nicasio, who signed a one-year deal worth $3 million in the offseason, was expected to open the year in a long relief role, but he's pitched his way into competing for a rotation spot.