Nicolino held the Mets scoreless over three innings, scattering three hits and striking out one, in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game.
The left-hander picked a good time to have his best outing of the spring, with Jeff Locke (biceps) looking doubtful for Opening Day and Tom Koehler struggling to get the ball over the plate. Nicolino is still a long shot to win the Marlins' fifth starter spot, and his low strikeout potential would give him limited fantasy value even if he does claim it, but another strong spring start could put him in the conversation.