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After coming over from the Houston Astros in the Ken Giles deal, Vince Velasquez has been placed directly into the rotation for the Philadelphia Phillies. In 55 2/3 innings with the Astros last year, Velasquez had a WHIP of 1.28. After four appearances this spring, he has a WHIP of 1.21 and looks more mature than a 23-year-old rookie.
Velasquez was taken out of Garey High School in Pomona, California in the second round of the 2010 draft. He has dominated at every level since being drafted. He has had more than nine strikeouts per inning at every level, including after he was called up last season by the Astros. The Astros used him in both the bullpen and the rotation.
Now Velasquez is with the rebuilding Phillies, who are led by baseball lifer Pete Mackanin. Since his arrival in spring training, Velasquez has been the presumed fifth starter for the Phillies. Three of his four appearances were starts and he has pitched multiple innings in every appearance.
He is still just 23 years old, though. He’s also slotted in the rotation directly behind Jerad Eickhoff, who only has eight big league starts under his belt. Rotation carryover Adam Morgan and another Houston import, Brett Oberholtzer, remain in the running with Velasquez and Eickhoff for the last two spots in the rotation. Morgan has been particularly impressive this spring, starting three games with a 0.67 WHIP, which is second best on the team. Meanwhile, Oberholtzer has yet to allow an earned run this spring.
Velasquez and Eickhoff both have something to prove this spring, but Eickhoff is a homegrown talent. Eickhoff just got his first start this week. After being thrown into the flames last August, it’s difficult to imagine that the Phillies wouldn’t give Eickhoff a long leash.
Velasquez must prove himself to the Phillies this spring. He is battling Oberholtzer and Morgan. Velasquez must dominate the rest of spring to solidify his spot in the Phillies’ organization.
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