Bucs could turn to Nicasio in setup role

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. If they sign or trade for another setup reliever, then Nicasio figures to remain more of a swingman, pitching in high-leverage situations or picking up multiple innings after short starts.

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“We do feel comfortable with Nicasio going in either one of those roles,” Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said.

Nicasio, 30, struggled as a starter but thrived in the bullpen, recording a 2.96 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings over 39 appearances after June 26.

The Pirates reached out to Feliz’s camp about an extension during the season but weren’t able to reach an agreement. Feliz …

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