Nicasio (1-2) failed to record an out in a loss to the Tigers on Sunday, allowing an earned run on three hits.

EDGE Analysis

Asked to preserve a 4-4 tie entering the ninth, Nicasio ran into trouble immediately by allowing an infield single to JaCoby Jones and another hit to Niko Goodrum, who was awarded second on fielder's interference. That set up a game-winning single by Jose Iglesias and handed Nicasio his second loss over the last three appearances. It's been a particularly rough month for the 31-year-old thus far, as Nicasio has an 0-2 record and 13.50 ERA across 5.1 innings over seven May outings.

Nicasio (1-1) allowed four earned runs on five hits over one-third of an inning in a loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran reliever faltered Wednesday, falling apart after coming on in the eighth to protect a 2-1 lead. Nicasio's troubles began immediately, as he allowed a leadoff double to Josh Donaldson, who was plated by Yangervis Solarte's two-bagger. Justin Smoak then made it back-to-back RBI doubles before Kevin Pillar drove him in with a single to deep left. Russell Martin went for extra bases against Nicasio as well before the latter got the hook, easily making it his worst appearance of the season. Although he'd gotten three full days of rest prior to Wednesday's derailment, the 31-year-old may be feeling the cumulative effects of a heavy workload to open the season -- he's now given up seven earned runs over his first five outings of May, and he's already logged 18 appearances overall this season.

Nicasio notched his 12th hold in a win over the Athletics on Thursday, allowing a hit and recording three strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

The seemingly indefatigable reliever continues to roll along, with Thursday's outing resulting in his fifth hold over the last seven appearances. Nicasio took the hill in each of the three games against the Athletics, and following a rare hiccup in Wednesday's loss during which he allowed a two-run home run to Jed Lowrie, he was back to his typically dominant self in the series finale. Factoring in Thursday's line, Nicasio owns an impressive 19:1 K:BB across 16.2 innings.

Nicasio notched his 11th hold in a win over the Athletics on Tuesday, firing a scoreless eighth inning in which he recorded two strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

Nicasio continues racking up holds and impressive outings, with Tuesday serving as the latest example. The veteran reliever fired 12 of 14 pitches for strikes while generating his fifth perfect one-inning outing over his last seven trips to the mound. Nicasio has proven to be one of manager Scott Servais' most reliable workhorses out of the bullpen, as he's already logged 14.2 innings across 14 appearances.

Nicasio notched his eighth hold with a perfect eighth inning in a win over the White Sox on Tuesday, recording a strikeout and throwing 14 of his 15 pitches for strikes.

EDGE Analysis

Nicasio could hardly have been sharper while racking up his seventh hold of April. The 31-year-old right-hander now has three straight scoreless outings following a pair of appearances in which he allowed an earned run apiece earlier in April. Despite some hiccups thus far, Nicasio certainly seems to have carved out a spot as one of manager Scott Servais' top setup options behind closer Edwin Diaz.

Nicasio (1-0) fired a scoreless eighth inning during which he allowed one hit in a win over the Rangers on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Nicasio was razor sharp while firing 10 of his 12 offerings into the strike zone. The veteran right-hander is enjoying a prolific April from a reliever's standpoint, as he's racked up six holds and Friday's victory over eight appearances. While he's pitched to some contact, it's obvious that manager Scott Servais trusts his hard-throwing setup option to work through any struggles based on the heavy workload he's afforded him.

Nicasio was credited with his seventh hold in a 2-1 win over the Astros on Monday, firing a scoreless eighth inning.

EDGE Analysis

He got eight of 12 pitches into the strike zone while serving as an effective bridge to the dominant Edwin Diaz in the ninth. Nicasio has been a workhorse for manager Scott Servais despite some hiccups, as he's already logged 8.2 innings across eight appearances. However, some issues keeping the ball in the park have helped lead to a bloated 5.19 ERA, a number out of whack with the sub-3.00 figures he generated in his two 2017 stops with the Pirates and Cardinals.

Nicasio notched his fourth hold in Saturday's 11-4 win over the Twins, firing 1.2 scoreless innings in which he recorded two strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander was especially efficient, needing only 20 pitches --15 of which went for strikes -- to notch six quick outs. Nicasio had given up a combined three runs over his prior two appearances despite logging a hold in each, so Saturday's effort was a nice bounce-back to an extent. Given his trademark velocity, the 31-year-old should continue to see plenty of mid-to-high-leverage work, which in turn projects to continue affording him an abundance of hold opportunities.

Nicasio earned his first hold with a scoreless eighth inning in Thursday's 2-1 Opening Day win over the Indians. He also recorded a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

Nicasio progressively ramped up his velocity this spring and was in fine form for the opener, disposing of the dangerous trio of Francisco Lindor, Jason Kipnis and Jose Ramirez in order. The veteran right-hander is blessed with a mid-90s fastball that should make him a late-inning fixture in the coming season as a setup option to closer Edwin Diaz.

Nicasio fired a scoreless fifth inning in Sunday's 16-3 Cactus League loss to the Indians, recording two strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

Nicasio has been progressively ramping up his velocity this spring, and Sunday's outing provided a glimpse of how far he's come. The right-hander hit 95 mph on his final pitch, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports, setting down Yonder Alonso for his second strikeout. Nicasio also whiffed Lonnie Chisenhall within his sole frame, and his strong spring (seven strikeouts over 6.2 innings) lends credence to the notion that he could serve as an effective set-up option to closer Edwin Diaz. "Juan has done a really good job all spring and you're starting to see the velocity creep up into the range he pitched at last year," manager Scott Servais said. "He's a veteran guy. He knows how to get ready. No worries with him at all."