NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- In February, Juan Nicasio reported to Spring Training with no set role. He opened the season in the rotation before ultimately sticking in the bullpen.
The Bucs already know where Nicasio will work next season -- out of the bullpen -- but it's less clear when he'll pitch. Nicasio's role is up in the air, dependent on whether Pittsburgh adds a more traditional setup man to replace free-agent right-hander Neftali Feliz.
If the Pirates don't add a late-inning arm between setup man Felipe Rivero and closer Tony Watson, Nicasio could fill that role.