Juan Nicasio’s major league career was almost over before it really began.
Signing with the Rockies in 2006 out of the DR at the relatively late age of 19, Nicasio worked his way up through Colorado’s minor league system, posting strong numbers at each of his stops. It wasn’t until an injury befell Rockies starter Jorge De La Rosa that he was summoned to the majors, though, straight from Double-A Tulsa in May of 2011. Nicasio was impressive in his debut, going seven innings of six-hit ball without allowing an earned run. His performance helped Colorado hang in to win the game and put an end to a four-game losing streak.