Nicasio Sharp At Asheville
Juan Nicasio has hit the ground running at low Class A Asheville where he is 1-0 with an 0.55 ERA in three starts. He made his debut there May 29, replacing left-hander Christian Friedrich in the Tourists’ rotation after Friedrich was promoted to high Class A Modesto.
Nicasio, 20, has pitched a total of 16 1/3 innings, allowing nine hits with six walks and 16 strikeouts. In his last start Tuesday at Lexington, Nicasio allowed one hit in 7 1/3 scoreless innings with three walks and six strikeouts. He threw 61 of 93 pitches for strikes.
Nicasio topped out at 96 mph with his fastball, averaged 94 mph and threw 43 of 67 for strikes. He also throws a slider and changeup, throwing nine of nine of the latter for strikes and showing plus command and stuff with that pitch as well as his fastball.
Jack, thanks for all the minor league updates. Too bad about Nelson. Hopefully Deduno won’t be down for too long.