Nicolino was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Tuesday.
Nicolino entered the spring battling for a spot in the Opening Day rotation, but despite a solid spring -- posting a 2.16 ERA in three appearances (two starts) -- it looks like he'll begin the year in the minors. The 23-year-old lefty worked to a 3.52 ERA at the Triple-A level last season and will likely get another chance with the parent club at some point in 2016.