Juan Nicasio tallied his first win of the season Wednesday against the Brewers.
Analysis: Nicasio lasted 6.0 innings, giving up two earned runs and seven hits. Nicasio only struck out two batters Wednesday but expect more going forward. In his two previous big league seasons Nicasio has put up a 7.77 K/9 rate with a solid mid-90s fastball and a decent slider. Although his ERA has not been good in his two major league seasons his xFIP has been under 4.00 each year.
Obviously the biggest fantasy drawback is that he pitches at Coors Field for a living although it is interesting that his career ERA at home is significantly lower than it is on the road. The main focus for fantasy owners should be Nicasio’s walk rate. If he can limit his baserunners this year he will be more than a NL-only fantasy option.
He’s available in 99.9% of fantasy leagues but if the Rockies keep scoring in bunches it might not matter what kind of WHIP he posts this year. If he keeps pitching well he’ll be a steal or a good sell high option down the road.