Juan Nicasio

Juan Nicasio (knee) has already made winter ball plans.

Nicasio made just 11 starts this season because of a broken neck and knee injury, so he wants to make up for lost time. The right-hander has been participating in the Rockies’ fall instructional league and will eventually pitch in five or six games for Aguilas in the Dominican.

Juan Nicasio (knee) is hoping to pitch in the Arizona instructional league this fall.

Nicasio’s left knee is still in a brace following microfracture surgery, but he’s able to ride a stationary bike and is hoping to be physically ready to appear in games in a couple months. Even if he’s not able to appear in instructs, he fully expects to be ready for spring training next year.

Rockies transferred RHP Juan Nicasio from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.

It’s just a procedural move to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, as Nicasio is out for the year following left knee surgery on Monday.

Juan Nicasio will miss the rest of the season following left knee surgery on Monday.

It was originally announced that Nicasio needed loose bodies removed from the knee, but it turns out that he also required microfracture surgery on the under surface of the patella. It’s a tough break for Nicasio, who won a rotation spot out of spring training after suffering a broken neck last August.

Juan Nicasio will undergo surgery on July 16 to remove a “floating body” from his left knee.

Nicasio originally landed on the disabled list in early June with a left knee strain. He has had the knee drained twice already, most recently on Wednesday night. The timeline on his return will depend on whether additional damage is found during surgery. It’s a tough blow for the 25-year-old right-hander, who bounced back from a broken neck last August and made the Rockies’ starting rotation out of spring training.

Juan Nicasio’s (knee) recent setback could delay his return until late July or early August.

Nicasio will have his left knee drained after experiencing a fluid buildup. “I was never hurt in the minors. Then last year with the neck and now this … It’s unbelievable,” Nicasio said. “I could pitch with the knee, but they don’t want me to hurt my shoulder.” It’s not clear when the righty will return to the mound.

Juan Nicasio will have his left knee drained.

Nicasio was scratched from a simulated game Wednesday due to fluid buildup in the knee. He was just closing in on a rehab assignment, but his return will obviously be delayed now.

Juan Nicasio’s simulated game Wednesday was scratched due to fluid buildup in his left knee.

It shouldn’t be a major setback, but it’s a setback nonetheless. Nicasio likely would have been cleared to begin a rehab assignment if Wednesday’s session went well and had been in line to return just after the All-Star break. That timetable should be pushed back a bit now.

Juan Nicasio threw three simulated innings against live hitters on Saturday and also tested his knee with fielding practice.

He’s been on the shelf since the beginning of the month with a strained left knee, and now looks to finally be making progress in his recovery. Nicasio will likely need at least one tune-up start in the minor leagues. He could rejoin the Rockies’ starting rotation soon after the All-Star break.