Making his Cactus League debut, Juan Nicasio allowed four runs (one earned) on four hits over 1 2/3 innings in Sunday's 8-6 loss to the Diamondbacks. Nicasio topped out at 96 mph with his fastball, but was predictably rusty after missing the final four months of 2012. While he displayed good velocity, his lack of a secondary pitch remains a concern going into the season. The good news is that Nicasio showed his left knee is finally healthy.

Rockies activated RHP Juan Nicasio from the 60-day disabled list. Nicasio made just 11 starts this season and underwent microfracture surgery in July. The Rockies also reinstated Todd Helton (knee) and right-hander Christian Friedrich (lower back) from the 60-day disabled list.

Juan Nicasio (knee) has already made winter ball plans. Nicasio made just 11 starts this season because of a broken neck and knee injury, so he wants to make up for lost time. The right-hander has been participating in the Rockies' fall instrucional league and will eventually pitch in five or six games for for Aguilas in the Dominican Republic.

Juan Nicasio (knee) is hoping to pitch in the Arizona instructional league this fall. Nicasio's left knee is still in a brace following microfracture surgery, but he's able to ride a stationary bike and is hoping to be physically ready to appear in games in a couple months. Even if he's not able to appear in instructs, he fully expects to be ready for spring training next year.

Rockies transferred RHP Juan Nicasio from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. It's just a procedural move to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, as Nicasio is out for the year following left knee surgery on Monday.

Juan Nicasio will undergo surgery on July 16 to remove a "floating body" from his left knee. Nicasio originally landed on the disabled list in early June with a left knee strain. He has had the knee drained twice already, most recently on Wednesday night. The timeline on his return will depend on whether additional damage is found during surgery. It's a tough blow for the 25-year-old right-hander, who bounced back from a broken neck last August and made the Rockies' starting rotation out of spring training.

Juan Nicasio's (knee) recent setback could delay his return until late July or early August. Nicasio will have his left knee drained after experiencing a fluid buildup. "I was never hurt in the minors. Then last year with the neck and now this ... It's unbelievable," Nicasio said. "I could pitch with the knee, but they don't want me to hurt my shoulder." It's not clear when the righty will return to the mound.

Juan Nicasio will have his left knee drained. Nicasio was scratched from a simulated game Wednesday due to fluid buildup in the knee. He was just closing in on a rehab assignment, but his return will obviously be delayed now.

Juan Nicasio threw three simulated innings against live hitters on Saturday and also tested his knee with fielding practice. He's been on the shelf since the beginning of the month with a strained left knee, and now looks to finally be making progress in his recovery. Nicasio will likely need at least one tune-up start in the minor leagues. He could rejoin the Rockies' starting rotation soon after the All-Star break.

Juan Nicasio (knee) threw 50 pitches on flat ground Saturday. "It's tight, but no soreness anymore," Nicasio said. It's not clear when Nicasio will resume throwing from a mound, but it shouldn't be long. He'll likely require a rehab assignment before rejoining the Rockies rotation.