Nicolino made his professional debut for the Vancouver Canadians of the Low–ANorthwest League in 2011, posting a 5–1 win–loss record and a 1.03 ERA. The Blue Jays promoted him to the Lansing Lugnuts of the Single–AMidwest League late in the season, and he pitched to a 1–1 record and a 3.12 ERA in three starts for Lansing. Nicolino returned to Lansing for the 2012 season.[4][5] He had a 10–4 win–loss record with a Midwest League-best 2.46 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 124+1⁄3 innings pitched. His teammates voted him as the Lugnuts' Most Valuable Player, and he was named to the Midwest League Postseason All-Star team.[6][7]
Nicolino began the 2015 season with the New Orleans Zephyrs of the Triple–APacific Coast League.[15] The Marlins called up Nicolino for his first major league start on June 20, 2015, taking the rotation spot of Tom Koehler.[16] He pitched 7 shutout innings, giving up 4 hits and 2 walks, with 2 strikeouts. He was optioned back to Triple–A on June 30.[17] He finished the season 5–4 with a 4.01 ERA in 12 starts for the Marlins. He struck out 23 in 74 innings.
In 2016, Nicolino pitched in 5 games out of the bullpen, while starting 13 for the Marlins. He finished with a 3–6 record and a 4.99 ERA on the season.[18]
In 2017, Nicolino was placed on the disabled list on May 30 with a contusion on his left index finger.[19] Nicolino pitched in 12 games out of the bullpen, while starting 8 for the Marlins. He finished with a 2–3 record and a 5.06 ERA on the 2017 season.[18]
In his career with the Marlins, Nicolino, was 10–13 with a 4.65 ERA in 50 games, including 33 starts, and in spring training in 2018 with the Marlins he had a 5.23 ERA in five games.[20]
Cincinnati Reds
On March 25, 2018, Nicolino was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.[21] Two days later, he was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A Louisville Bats.[22] In 25 games (24 starts) for Louisville, Nicolino compiled a 6–6 record and 4.69 ERA with 86 strikeouts across 134+1⁄3 innings of work. He elected free agency following the season on November 2.[23]
Minnesota Twins
On February 6, 2019, Nicolino signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins that included an invitation to spring training.[24] He opened the season with the Triple–A Rochester Red Wings, posting a 5.12 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 4 games (3 starts). Nicolino was released by the organization on May 1.
Chicago White Sox
On May 4, 2019, Nicolino signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox. In 20 games (19 starts) for the Triple–A Charlotte Knights, he posted a 7–6 record and 6.28 ERA with 84 strikeouts across 116 innings of work. Nicolino elected free agency following the season on November 4.[25]
Rakuten Monkeys
On February 13, 2020, Nicolino signed with the Rakuten Monkeys of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.[26] In 8 games for Rakuten, he recorded a 5.90 ERA with 39 strikeouts across 39+2⁄3 innings pitched. On September 9, Nicolino was released by the Monkeys.[27]
High Point Rockers
On April 21, 2022, Nicolino signed with the High Point Rockers.[28] In 6 starts, he posted a 4–1 record with a 2.06 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 35 innings.
Cincinnati Reds (second stint)
On May 25, 2022, Nicolino's contract was purchased by the Cincinnati Reds and he was assigned to the Triple–ALouisville Bats.[29] In 20 games (18 starts) for Louisville, Nicolino posted a 4–6 record and 5.82 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 85 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 10.[30]
Generales de Durango
On May 1, 2023, Nicolino signed with the Generales de Durango of the Mexican League.[31] In 6 starts, he posted a 2–1 record with a 6.65 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 21+2⁄3 innings. Nicolino was released by Durango on June 8.[32]
In January 2024, Nicolino retired from professional baseball and became a performance coach at Tread Athletics.[34]
Scouting report
Nicolino is a contact pitcher, pitching in the high 80s to low 90s with his fastball. He also throws a changeup and a curveball.[35] Since 2014, Nicolino has averaged 4.8 strikeouts per 9 innings in the minors, while with the Marlins since 2015, he's average 3.7 strikeouts per 9 innings.[citation needed]
