Roster move

The Pittsburgh Pirates today selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Kyle Nicolas from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Right-handed pitcher Thomas Hatch has been optioned to Triple-A to make room for Nicolas on the 28-man active roster. Designated hitter/outfielder Andrew McCutchen has been transferred from the 10- to the 60-day injured list to make room for Nicolas on the 40-man roster.

The 24-year-old Nicolas comes into today ranked fourth among all Pirates minor leaguers with 127 strikeouts behind Thomas Harrington (146), Jared Jones (140) and Bubba Chandler (128).

Nicolas, who is currently rated by MLB Pipeline as Pittsburgh’s No. 26 prospect, went a combined 4-7 with two saves, a 5.20 ERA (98.2ip/57er), 52 walks, 127 strikeouts and .256 batting average against in 35 appearances (18 starts) this season between Double-A Altoona and Indianapolis.

Prior to his promotion to the big leagues, Nicolas posted a 1.20 ERA (15.0ip/2er), 0.80 WHIP and .118 batting average against (6-for-51) in his final 12 appearances (one start) with Indianapolis. He also struck out at least one batter in all 17 of his relief appearances (42 strikeouts in 27.0ip) with Indianapolis.

Nicolas, who has no previous big league experience, will wear uniform No. 62.