No. 15 prospect Nicolas deals in Double-A

Jumping a level isn't supposed to be such a smooth transition. Tell that to Marlins No. 15 prospect Kyle Nicolas.

Through three starts at Double-A Pensacola, Nicolas is 1-0 with a 1.20 ERA. He has 22 strikeouts and nine walks across 15 innings, with a .082 average against and a 0.87 WHIP. In Tuesday night's outing against Montgomery, Nicolas issued four free passes but surrendered just one hit and struck out eight batters over five shutout innings, his second scoreless performance for Pensacola.

What's behind the success?

"At the beginning of the year in [High-A Beloit], I kind of was just going into games not really with a plan, not really using all my pitches," Nicolas said. "And then toward the end of my time in Beloit, I felt like I was starting to figure some stuff out. I think that's just kind of carried on down here in Pensacola. [I'm] feeling real comfortable out on the mound right now, and feeling more comfortable with all my pitches."

Nicolas began his professional career with a 2.79 ERA through his first four starts. After a three-start stretch in which he compiled a 12.00 ERA, he finished out his High-A tenure by permitting two earned runs or fewer in four of his final six starts.

The 22-year-old right-hander, taken in the Competitive Balance Round B in the 2020 MLB Draft, has learned to pitch more than throw. That mentality includes executing his pitches better, and going with the right pitch in the right situation.

"I think personally for me, I've had more of a game plan going into the game, I've had more resources given to me on my scouting reports," Nicolas said. "[I've] just been able to do more preparation for the other team, so that's the biggest thing on the pitching side. Obviously the players are better, the hitters are better, you've got more solid defense around you overall. It's just a higher level, and it's more fun to be at a higher level for sure."

Nicolas was the last of Miami's collegiate arms selected in last year's MLB Draft -- that are still with the organization -- to debut for the Blue Wahoos. Here's a quick look at their stats:

RHP Max Meyer (first round)
5-1, 1.92 ERA in 15 starts
MLB Pipeline's No. 18 overall prospect boasts the lowest ERA in the Double-A South among qualified pitchers.

LHP Jake Eder (fourth round)
3-5, 1.86 ERA in 14 starts
Miami's No. 21 prospect doesn't qualify, otherwise he would pace the league in ERA and WHIP (0.99). He has 95 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings.

RHP Zach McCambley (third round)
0-4, 7.71 ERA in five starts
Like Nicolas, Miami's No. 20 prospect began the season at High-A Beloit. The promotion hasn't gone as well, with a 1.86 WHIP.

"It's definitely been fun getting us all together in the same rotation," Nicolas said. "It has been pretty special, and just continuing to go to work with them every day, which I hope lasts for more years down the road. Just getting used to it, and it's been really fun."