Juan Nicasio dazzled in spring training, not allowing a run in five starts. A dark horse to win a starting position when the calendar flipped to March, Nicasio forced the Pirates into the decision by taking advantage of his opportunities. The dominance in the spring was apparent- overpowering fastball, while "peppering" in off-spead pitches at the perfect time. The recipe for success translated from spring to his first start in April.
Nicasio allowed just two hits in six innings of work, giving up a run and striking out seven against the Cardinals. Perhaps he is the number three pitcher that the Pirates had been seeking.