Juan Nicasio is back.

As a reliever. At least for now.

The Rockies recalled the right-hander from Triple-A Colorado Springs before Thursday’s game against the Cubs. Nicasio provides some needed depth for an overworked bullpen.

In a corresponding move, the Rockies optioned right-hander Brooks Brown to Triple-A.

“We needed some depth in the bullpen, particularly today,” manager Walt Weiss said. “Juan gives us some length in the bullpen. With our pitching right now, some of (the moves) are just day-to-day, trying to protect our pitching.”

Nicasio, 27, began the season on the Rockies’ opening-day roster and made 14 starts before he was optioned on June 16. He struggled mightily and those starts, going 5-5 with a 5.92 ERA with 26 walks and 46 strikeouts.

In Colorado Springs, Nicasio has pitched in 10 games, four times as a starter. He’s gone 3-2 with a save and a 4.54 ERA. Of Nicasio’s six relief appearances, five of them were longer than one inning.

“The is my first time in the bullpen, and everything is OK so far.” Nicasio said. “I liked being a starter but you can’t control that. If somebody thinks I should be in the bullpen, that I would be better there, then that’s what I will do.”

As a starter in parts of four seasons, Nicasio has made 69 career Major League starts, going 20-21 with a 5.12 ERA.

Weiss believes Nicasio is a good fit in the bullpen.

“The reports are good about Juan,” the manager said. “Knowing Juan and looking at the situation from my perspective, it strikes you as more of a guy that can sprint. He’s a guy with a big arm who can go after hitters.”

Patrick Saunders: psaunders@denverpost.com or twitter.com/psaundersdp