Rockies right-hander Juan Nicasio has added a split-finger fastball to his assortment of pitches this season, which he hopes will result in better production. Pitching coach Jim Wright claimed that Nicasio didn't have confidence in it last season.
"I think he was reluctant to throw it," Wright told the Denver Post. "I think he had heard some things that it was tough on the arm, but he's got the perfect arm angle for it. So it's a weapon that is going to help him."
What remains unknown is if it will help him as a starter or reliever. Nicasio is being pushed as the fifth starter by southpaws Franklin Morales and Christian Friedrich. Nicasio had a miserable 2013 season despite a 9-9 record. He boasted a 5.14 ERA and walked 64 in 157 2/3 innings.