Pittsburgh Pirates’ right-handed pitcher Kyle Nicolas recently opened up about his mental struggles following an injury that has taken a toll on his season and his well-being. In a heartfelt statement, Nicolas shared that he’s experiencing a difficult period due to the setback. The injury occurred on September 16, during a game in which he was pulled after facing just one batter in the eighth inning. At the time, he felt pain in his left side, an issue that seemed manageable at first.

Assistant general manager Kevan Graves had initially described the injury as “relatively minor,” offering hope that it might not significantly impact Nicolas’s future in the immediate term. Unfortunately, further evaluations have revealed a much more severe issue than the team first anticipated. As a result, Nicolas will be sidelined until at least 2025, forcing him to sit out the entire upcoming season—a major blow for the young pitcher hoping to solidify his position within the Pirates’ roster.

In his statement, Nicolas expressed not only his frustration with the injury but also the mental burden it has created. Injuries can be physically limiting, but the emotional toll is often equally taxing, especially for athletes who depend on their bodies to perform at elite levels. For Nicolas, the prolonged recovery process and time away from the game have been challenging, and he’s been candid about his struggle to stay positive during this period.

With the entire 2025 season on hold, the Pirates and their fans will be supporting Nicolas through his recovery, with hopes that he can return stronger than ever.