Nicolas was removed from Monday's game against the Cardinals after facing one batter due to a left side injury, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

The severity of the right-hander's injury is unclear at this time, though skipper Derek Shelton noted after the game that Nicolas is being sent for further evaluation. He'll be labeled day-to-day until more information surfaces.

The Pirates recalled Nicolas from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nicolas ended the 2023 season as part of the Pirates' bullpen. He struggled in his four outings, giving up seven runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out seven over 5.1 frames. Nicolas has looked better in Triple-A this season, posting a 0.84 ERA and 2.06 WHIP over 10.2 innings, and he'll get another shot in Pittsburgh's bullpen. The move corresponds with Ryder Ryan being optioned by the Pirates to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

The Pirates optioned Nicolas to Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Nicolas finished last season in the big-league bullpen but is now on the outside looking in for the Opening Day roster. The 25-year-old had a 6.20 ERA over 45 innings at Indianapolis last season, and he'll likely need better results in 2024 to make it back to the majors.