Kyle Nicolas Deserves High Leverage Chances In Pirates’ Bullpen
p/c: Ezra Shaw
Kyle Nicolas arrived to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ organization from the Miami Marlins, as one of the main pieces in the Jacob Stallings trade.
Entering 2023, Nicolas was ranked the 19th best Pirates prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.
Nicolas began last season pitching in the Altoona Curve rotation, where he pitched okay, with a 4.36 ERA in 12 starts.
On June 16th, Nicolas was promoted to AAA Indianapolis. He would experience major struggles as a starter, posting an ERA of 10.59.
The decision was made to move Nicolas to the Indianapolis’ bullpen full-time. It resulted in an incredible, turnaround for him, as he registered a 2.14 ERA, along with an 0.95 WHIP, in 14 relief outings. The more unexpected development for Nicolas was a significant, increase in fastball velocity - going 94-95 as a starter - to sitting 97-98 in a relief role.
Based on the great bullpen results, as well as being Rule 5 eligible in the offseason, the Pirates selected Nicolas as a September call up.
Although Nicolas failed to make the Opening Day roster, it wasn’t too long until he would get recalled to Pittsburgh on April 28th.
The first 18 games for Nicolas had its inconsistencies, as he had a 5.40 ERA. Since then, he’s really flipped a switch. Over his last 15 appearances, the 25-year-old righty has posted an ERA of 0.52; third lowest among NL relievers in that span.
Nicolas’ pitches have all been clicking for him right now.
Fastball: 97.6 avg velocity, .192 opp avg, .260 opp slugging, 20.4% whiff rate
Slider: 91.0 avg velocity, .213 opp avg, .255 opp slugging, 37.3% whiff rate
Curveball: 85.3 avg velocity, .235 opp avg, .294 opp slugging, 50.0% whiff rate
For as dominant as Colin Holderman was the first 3+ months, he’s shown regression, especially as of late. During the Pirates’ weekend series versus the Arizona Diamondbacks, Holderman allowed a go-ahead, RBI double to Geraldo Perdomo, for a 9-8 Arizona win on Friday. The Dbacks would get to Holderman again on Sunday, as Joc Pederson delievered a go-ahead, 3-run homer in the seventh inning, to give them a 6-5 victory and the series.
Holderman’s last 12 games have been bad, with an 8.11 ERA, and even though he was terrific earlier in the year, it’s what have you done for me lately? And lately, Holderman just isn’t getting it done.
When it comes to bullpen management, Derek Shelton needs to show more urgency, especially with his team still in the midst of a playoff race. Statistically, Nicolas is the Pirates’ best reliever since late June. In order for Nicolas to take the next step in his pitching growth, Shelton should look to place him in more high leverage situations. Quite frankly, Nicolas has earned that chance.