 At the start of 1893, Nicol signed with the Los Angeles Angels of the California League. A new rule was introduced stipulating that the pitcher's mound be 60 feet 6 inches (18.44 m) away from home plate. This increase of five feet in distance gave batters a greater advantage. Despite this, Nicol was noted for his ability to adapt to the new rule better than other pitchers in the league. This was evident as he was able to garner a 15 – 8 record and 0.86 ERA in 1881 ⁄ 3 innings pitched. His control suffered, however, as he struck out just 64 batters and walked 125, thus contributing to his 1.66 WHIP that season. In early June, there was speculation that players would have their salaries cut in order to sustain the league, which was allegedly on the verge of collapsing. Several weeks after two of his teammates departed, Nicol himself left the team, joining the two in the Eastern League with the Erie Blackbirds. He continued his stellar pitching performances with a 13 – 9 record and a 1.80 ERA in 200 innings, while reducing the number of walks issued to 89.
