Minor MLB Transactions: 5/1/19

We’ll track Wednesday’s minor transactions from around the league here…

• Left-hander Justin Nicolino has been released by the Twins organization, per the Triple-A International League transactions log. Signed to a minor league contract over the winter, the former Marlins southpaw posted a 5.12 ERA with a 13-to-8 K/BB ratio in 19 1/3 innings with the Red Wings prior to returning to the open market. Now 27, Nicolino was once a well-regarded prospect but has never managed to put together a consistent strikeout pitch. He’s averaged just 5.4 strikeouts per nine innings in Triple-A and 3.8 K/9 in the big leagues. To his credit, Nicolino has a career 4.01 ERA in Triple-A and 4.65 mark in the Majors despite that lack of missed bats — thanks largely to his strong control. Most recently, Nicolino spent the ’18 season with the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate, pitching to a 4.69 ERA with 5.8 K/9, 2.3 BB/9 and a 39.4 percent grounder rate in 134 2/3 innings.