Nicasio gave up six runs in 4.1 innings Thursday, surrendering seven hits -- including three homers -- and two walks while striking out five batters.
Left-handed hitters entered Thursday with an .886 OPS off Nicasio, who limited to New York to one run in five innings June 7. With his 5.83 ERA, there's little reason to consider starting the righty until he strings together a couple of solid outings. The Pirates may well remove him from the rotation soon in order to promote top prospect Tyler Glasnow.