Player News
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Nicasio was placed on the restricted list for personal reasons Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Nicasio is travelling home to be with his family in the Dominican Republic, though he reportedly isn't opting out of the season. It's not clear when he's expected to return. Luis Garcia will join the Rangers' bullpen in a corresponding move.
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Nicasio's contract was selected by the Rangers on Saturday. The 33-year-old will be pitching in his 10th big-league season when he eventually makes his season debut. He owns a mediocre 4.64 career ERA and posted a 4.75 ERA in 47.1 innings for the Phillies last season.
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Nicasio was reassigned to the Rangers' alternate training site Sunday, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports. Nicasio worked through back tightness during spring training but appeared to be healthy this summer. He was able to pitch in intrasquad competition, but he'll play at the team's alternate training site to start the regular season. Even if he reaches the majors at some point this season, the 33-year-old is unlikely to play a significant role.
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Nicasio (back) is serving as the starting pitcher in the Rangers' intrasquad matchup Monday. Nicasio was experiencing back tightness during spring training, but his status as the starting pitcher for Monday's intrasquad contest signals that he's recovered. Although he's on the team's 60-man roster, he's unlikely to play a big role in the majors this year. The 33-year-old made 47 appearances for the Phillies last season, logging a 4.75 ERA and 1.65 WHIP over 47.1 innings.
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The Rangers added Nicasio (back) to their 60-man roster pool Thursday. Nicasio and Edinson Volquez both joined the 60-man pool, bringing the Rangers' total to 57 men. The 33-year-old made just two spring appearances before experiencing back tightness in early March. Nicasio recorded a 4.75 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, and 45:21 K:BB across 47.1 relief innings with the Phillies in 2019. As a non-roster invitee, he's not expected to have a spot in the Texas bullpen come Opening Day.