Rockies optioned RHP Juan Nicasio to Triple-A Colorado Springs. It was inevitable with Drew Pomeranz expected to join the starting rotation on Sunday. Nicasio owns an ugly 5.31 ERA through 16 starts this season and will try to get back on track in the minors.

Juan Nicasio allowed seven runs -- six earned -- on 12 hits in 2 1/3 innings in a loss to the Red Sox on Tuesday. Nicasio allowed runs in each of the first three innings before being yanked. His ERA is now up to 5.31, and he still hasn't won a game since May 19. His next start will come Sunday against the Giants.

Juan Nicasio allowed four runs -- two earned -- in five innings in a loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday. Nicasio was hurt mostly by one swing, an Adam Lind three-run homer in the first inning. Otherwise he was fairly effective, limiting the Blue Jays to a total of four hits and a walk on the night. With Jeff Francis being sent to Triple-A, it appears Nicasio's spot in the rotation is safe for now. He'll go again Tuesday in an interleague tilt with the Red Sox in Boston.

Juan Nicasio surrendered five runs over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Phillies on Friday. He gave up two runs in the fourth inning and three in his final inning of work. Nicasio had one of his best outings of the season last time out, but Friday's start was bad timing with Roy Oswalt expected to join the rotation next week. He currently lines up to face the Blue Jays next time out, but things could change.

Juan Nicasio allowed two runs on four hits over six innings Sunday against the Padres. Nicasio retired the first 12 batters he faced, including six by strikeout. He took a perfect game into the sixth inning before giving up a home run to Nick Hundley. Despite the no-decision, it was his second straight quality outing. Nicasio's next start will come Saturday against the Phillies.

Juan Nicasio went six innings and allowed three runs against the Reds on Tuesday. The Rockies went on to win the game, but Nicasio got a no-decision for his efforts. The right-hander has a favorable 4-2 record but less attractive 4.76 ERA through 12 starts. His next will come Sunday against the Padres.

Juan Nicasio took a loss to the Astros after giving up five runs in five innings Thursday against the Astros. Nicasio dropped to 4-2 with a 4.79 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. Last year, that would have made him the Rockies' ace. This year, it makes him a leading candidate to be dropped from the rotation once Roy Oswalt is ready.

Juan Nicasio threw six scoreless innings Sunday in a win over the Giants. Nicasio was knocked around for five runs in his previous outing, so it was a solid bounce back effort. He allowed just three hits, one walk, and had five strikeouts. Nicasio was a candidate to be sent down earlier this month, but his rotation spot is safe for now. Roy Oswalt is expected to make 4-5 starts with Double-A Tulsa before the Rockies need to decide whether or not to call him up.

Juan Nicasio has had his next start pushed back a day, and will now start against the Giants on Sunday. With Tyler Chatwood replacing the injured Jeff Francis in the Rockies' rotation, they're utilizing the opportunity to give Nicasio an extra day of rest. It's not a bad idea, as he's coming off his worst start of the season, where he yielded five runs on eight hits in Monday's loss to the Cubs.

Juan Nicasio yielded five runs and eight hits in six innings Monday in a loss to the Cubs. It was Nicasio's first loss in eight starts this season, though the Rockies are a mere 4-4 when he pitches. It's partly his inability to pitch deep into games that has caused the Rockies to weigh demoting him to Triple-A. He should be safe for now, but we'll see what happens once Roy Oswalt is ready.