The story of Spring Training this year for the Pittsburgh Pirates was right-handed pitcher Juan Nicasio. Nicasio was dominate in Spring Training allowing just one run while striking out over 10 batters per nine innings pitched. After this fantastic showing in Spring Training, Juan Nicasio earned a spot in the Pirate rotation to start the season.
Juan Nicasio then followed this up with a strong April. In five April starts Nicasio posted a 3.33 ERA, 3.72 FIP, and 3.74 xFIP in 27 innings pitched. Furthermore, Nicasio averaged just 1.00 HR/9 while also averaging 9.67 K/9 in April.
After a strong April, Juan Nicasio has struggled in May though.