Nicasio threw five shutout innings Monday, striking out eight while walking two.

EDGE Analysis

He's struck out 24 batters in 15 Grapefruit League innings and has yet to allow a run. Nicasio compiled a 5.03 ERA in four seasons with Colorado but lowered that mark to a 3.86 ERA in 58.1 innings as a reliever for the Dodgers in 2015. The 29-year-old struck out 65 batters with Los Angeles but walked 32. He profiles as the perfect reclamation project for the Pirates and pitching coach Ray Searage.