Nicolas was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nicolas impressed this spring, surrendering two runs (one earned) on seven hits and eight walks while striking out eight batters over nine innings in eight appearances with the Pirates. The right-hander produced a 3.95 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 55 punchouts over 54.2 innings in 51 games with Pittsburgh in 2024, and he will likely not have to wait long to join the major-league roster this season.

Nicolas (side) faced off against Andrew McCutchen during a live batting practice session Tuesday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nicolas appears to have entered spring training with a clean bill of health after he finished last season on the injured list due to a left side injury. Before being shut down, Nicolas had turned in a 3.95 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 55:31 K:BB while collecting two wins and seven holds over 54.2 innings out of the Pittsburgh bullpen. He'll likely be ticketed for a middle-relief role to begin the 2025 campaign.

The Pirates placed Nicolas (side) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

With only 11 days left in the season and Pittsburgh out of the running for a wild-card spot, Nicolas' move to the IL will put an early end to his 2024 campaign. The 25-year-old righty will finish the year with a 3.95 ERA and 1.50 WHIP alongside a 55:31 K:BB across 54.2 innings. Jake Woodford was selected to the active roster in a corresponding move and will start Wednesday's game versus St. Louis.

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.