The Astros visited Bradenton today for a Spring matinee at McKechnie Field. RHP Juan Nicasio got the start for the Bucs, pitching well in his two innings of scoreless work. General Manager Neal Huntington eluded on his pregame radio show that Nicasio and Ryan Vogelsong will apparently battle it out for the fifth starter role when camp breaks at the end of the month. Bradley Peacock got the start for the visitors and allowed 2 runs in 1 2/3 innings of work.
While Nicasio was efficient today, the same couldn't be said for a couple of the Pirates more reliable relievers: Arquimedes Caminero and Jared Hughes were each knocked around pretty good in their limited work.