Nicasio, who struck out 10 batters in four scoreless frames Wednesday, continues to see his stock rise. "That kind of outing will get your attention," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

EDGE Analysis

Pittsburgh signed Nicasio to a one-year, $3 million deal over the winter, and the move could pay big dividends. While the righty is set to open the season in the bullpen, the team is stretching him out as a starter. "I'm working hard for a chance in the rotation, but I can't control all that," Nicasio said. "I'll try to do my job. I can't make that decision." With Ryan Vogelsong and Jeff Locke the only two starters blocking his path from the rotation, it's easy to envision Nicasio joining the starting staff -- provided his Grapefruit League success (10 shutout innings, 16 strikeouts) isn't a fluke.