Kyle Nicolas joined the late-inning mix, logging the final outs and contributing to a win after a long season in the minors. His first major-league appearance and the bullpen’s success offered a rare spark of optimism for a Pirates club in need of reliable depth.

Nicolas joins the late-inning mix for Pittsburgh, contributing to the bullpen’s depth as they navigate a season defined by offensive struggles. His involvement signals the Pirates’ willingness to lean on homegrown arms in tight games and potentially ride a backend rotation improvement.

Kyle Nicolas is one of the right-handed pitchers in the Pirates' bullpen who could step into the closer role on a committee basis following David Bednar's removal from the position.

Jared Jones struggled in his first big league start since returning from a lat strain, allowing five runs in the fourth inning before being pulled. Kyle Nicolas stepped in relief, but failed to contain the Cubs, contributing to their comeback victory.

Kyle Nicolas pitched two hitless innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates in their 6-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.