Pirates GM Neal Huntington confirmed that Nicasio is in the running for the fourth or fifth starter's spot along with Jeff Locke and Ryan Vogelsong, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

The comments mark the first time Huntington has gone on record saying Nicasio has a chance to crack the rotation Opening Day. The righty struck out 10 of 14 batters in his last start and if he puts together another dominant outing in his next game then he could get the starting nod. Either way, Nicasio will likely end up on the rotation; it's just a question of when. He represents the perfect upside type of hurler pitching coach Ray Searage has reinvigorated over the last several seasons.