Pirates Manager Defends Pitcher Nicolas Amid Struggles

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, April 7th 2026 at 14:27 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Pirates' Shelton Stands Firm on Nicolas, Despite Early Season Struggles

PITTSBURGH - Despite a rocky start to the 2026 season, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton remains steadfast in his belief in right-handed pitcher Kyle Nicolas. While acknowledging the concerning statistics, Shelton publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the 25-year-old, signaling a willingness to invest in Nicolas's development rather than immediately resorting to demotion or a complete overhaul.

Through six appearances, including three starts, Nicolas currently holds a 7.36 ERA, having surrendered 13 earned runs across 12 innings pitched. Adding to the concerns, he has walked 10 batters, contributing significantly to base runner congestion and creating scoring opportunities for opponents. These numbers paint a clear picture of a pitcher struggling to find his footing at the major league level.

However, Shelton insists that the raw numbers don't tell the whole story. He points to Nicolas's potential and the ongoing work being done to refine his mechanics. "We know what he's capable of," Shelton stated before Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. "We're going to continue to work with him and stay with him. We believe in him." This isn't merely a manager offering lip service; it reflects a strategic decision to nurture a young talent the Pirates see as a potential cornerstone of their pitching staff.

The core issue appears to be command. Nicolas is having difficulty consistently locating his pitches within the strike zone, leading to frequent walks and forcing him into unfavorable counts. This lack of control not only puts runners on base but also limits his ability to effectively work through lineups. Shelton identifies a recurring problem of delivery repetition. "It's all about getting to that point where he's in a rhythm and understanding how to repeat his delivery," he explained. "He's been working on a few things mechanically. We're seeing some progress."

Nicolas's journey to the majors hasn't been without its challenges. He debuted last season, gaining valuable experience but also exposing areas that needed significant improvement. The Pirates organization has demonstrated a commitment to player development, often extending opportunities to young players even during periods of struggle. This approach suggests a long-term vision, prioritizing growth over immediate wins. It mirrors a trend across MLB, where teams are increasingly prioritizing development programs and patience with young arms, recognizing that the path to consistent performance is rarely linear.

This patience, however, isn't unconditional. The Pirates are likely monitoring Nicolas's progress closely, looking for tangible improvements in his command and efficiency. While Shelton publicly expresses confidence, a continued downward spiral in performance could eventually lead to a reassessment of his role. However, as of now, the team appears willing to ride out the storm, providing him with the coaching and support he needs to unlock his potential.

Saturday's scheduled start against the St. Louis Cardinals represents a crucial opportunity for Nicolas to demonstrate the progress Shelton and the coaching staff are seeking. It's a chance to put the early-season struggles behind him and showcase the "good stuff" Shelton alluded to. The Cardinals are a formidable opponent, meaning a strong outing against them would provide a significant boost to both Nicolas's confidence and the team's outlook.

Shelton's ultimate expectation is simple: "He's going to go out there and compete," he said. "That's all we ask of him." For Nicolas, that may be enough to begin turning the corner and proving that the Pirates' faith is well-placed. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether he can become the valuable asset the team believes he can be, or if his major league career will require a significant course correction.