Nicasio to remain in Rockies' rotation

CHICAGO -- For now, the Rockies are still counting on right-hander Juan Nicasio in their starting rotation.

Nicasio gave up five runs in the first two innings of Monday night's 5-1 loss to the Cubs. But he settled down and completed six innings -- his longest outing since his first start of the season. The early pitches were hit hard, and the Alfonso Soriano homer was a hanging slider. But he accomplished being in the strike zone.

"Juan is still in play," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "We're always evaluating ways to make our club better. We haven't made any decisions on the rotation. We haven't made any moves, so the rotation at this point is still intact."

Nicasio is 3-1 with a 5.19 ERA. Even in some of his wins, his lack of innings has been scrutinized.