Uncertainty regarding future roles for Nicolino, Urena

MIAMI — It’s a small sample size, but the way Justin Nicolino has pitched out of the bullpen this month has the Marlins wondering if the left-hander is best suited to remain a starter or transition into a reliever.

Jose Urena, a right-hander, is in a similar situation. Both have been groomed as starters, and they may remain in that capacity entering 2017, but how best to use each of them will be a topic of offseason discussion.

Nicolino impressed in two innings of scoreless relief on Thursday in a 6-3 loss to the Braves at Marlins Park. He retired all six batters he faced with three strikeouts.

Manager Don Mattingly notes Nicolino’s issues arise the deeper he gets into a start.

“The second and third times through the order, every pitcher, including the best of the best, [their effectiveness] goes down,” Mattingly said.

Nicolino lacks overpowering stuff, relying more on command and executing pitches. According to Statcast™, the average of his four-seam fastball is …

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