Reds under-the-radar WBC performer just created some Opening Day pressure

Reds fans aren't too familiar with Kyle Nicolas — namely because he has yet to throw a single pitch in a Cincinnati uniform. The Pittsburgh Pirates traded Nicolas to the Cincinnati Reds a few weeks ago in exchange for infield prospect Tyler Callihan. Since the deal was made, however, Nicolas has been participating in the World Baseball Classic as a member of Team Italy's bullpen.

Team Venezuela elimated Team Italy on Monday night, but Nicolas shined during his 1⅓ innings of work. The hard-throwing right-hander came on in relief of former Reds pitcher Michael Lorenzen during the seventh inning and got Team Italy out of two-out jam by inducing a fly out off the bat of Eugenio Suárez.

Nicolas stayed in to pitch the eighth inning and made quick work of the opposition. Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar flew out to right field, and then Nicolas struck out Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Andrés Giménez and Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu.

Nicolas' appearance during Monday's semi-final was just his second outing of the WBC. During his first appearance, he allowed two runs on two hits, walked a batter, and was lifted after recording just one out against Great Britain.

Reds bullpen battle will only intensify once Kyle Nicolas returns from WBC

The Reds bullpen is a bit unsettled at the moment. While five of the eight spots are under lock and key, the other three spots are up for grabs. Nicolas joins the crowded field of Connor Phillips, Zach Maxwell, Luis Mey, Sam Moll, and Hagen Danner; all of whom are attempting to secure a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster.

Moll is the only southpaw among the group, and may have the upper hand. Phillips, Maxwell, and Mey are all high-octane hurlers, but all three have struggled with command this spring. Danner has been the most consistent of the finalists, but he doesn't have a 40-man roster and is out of minor league options.

FOX19 contributor Charlie Goldsmith reported that the Reds had a scout at the WBC semi-final game in Miami with hopes of seeing Nicolas enter the game. Reds manager Terry Francona also vented his frustrations at the fact that he and the Cincinnati coaching staff haven't been able to see the fireballer up close.

“Nicolas is hard because we don’t know him,” Francona said. “It’s been frustrating. I’m not frustrated with him. Just the fact that we’re dying to get to know him and we’re not.”

Francona will now get a chance to get to know his new hurler. With Italy now eliminated from the WBC, Nicolas is expected to return to Goodyear and could find himself thrust into a tight competition for one of the final spots on the Reds Opening Day roster.