Last week, catcher J.T. Realmuto spoke optimistically about Velasquez. Realmuto sensed that Velasquez was doing more “pitching” than “tossing.”.
” I thought his cutter was good,” supervisor Joe Girardi said. “Its been an excellent pitch for him. Its allowed him to utilize both sides of the plate.”
” He dealt with a new pitch during the quarantine, blending in a cutter now, and hes utilizing his changeup a lot more than he has in the past, so just the pitchability from him,” Realmuto stated. “I was talking with Bryan Price about it. Were not going to be so one-dimensional with him. Were going to move the ball around the plate, pitch up and down, blend the changeup in, blend that cutter in. Hes always had that curveball. Hes looked really great. I expect big things from him.”.
Subscribe and rate the Phillies Talk podcast: Apple Podcasts / Google Play / Spotify / Stitcher / Art19 / YouTube.
” Hes looked actually good his last 2 getaways,” Girardi stated. “I dont believe you can neglect what hes doing.”
A change in pitching coach might assist Velasquez. Bryan Price believes in moving the ball up and down in the strike zone. The previous program, attempting to take advantage of Velasquez power, stressed pitching up in the zone.
Velasquez went 7-8 with a 4.90 ERA in 33 games, 23 of which were starts, last season. Ultimately, a need arose in the rotation and Velasquez discovered himself back there.
Velasquez has had 2 strong trips in intrasquad action over the recently. He is fighting Nick Pivetta for the final area in the rotation. The runner-up in the competitors will start the season in the bullpen.
The right-hander was outstanding in 4 unstructured innings of work. He gave up two hits and a walk and did not allow a run.
Velasquez, who turned 28 in June, obviously did not simply put his feet up and await baseball to return throughout the shutdown.
Its time to money in on that capacity.
While Velasquez is trying to win a spot in the rotation, Zack Wheelers area is safe. He dealt with 19 hitters and did not permit a run in the intrasquad video game. He is in line to start the 2nd game of the season– domesticity permitting. Wheeler is due to end up being a papa in the next couple of weeks and that real-life event will sideline him for a minimum of a start, possibly two. This is why people like Velasquez, Pivetta, Cole Irvin and others are having their innings extended. There might be starters innings readily available even after the fifth starters job is settled.
Velasquez has had 2 strong trips in intrasquad action over the last week. Velasquez went 7-8 with a 4.90 ERA in 33 games, 23 of which were starts, last season. A modification in pitching coach might help Velasquez. The previous routine, trying to capitalize on Velasquez power, stressed pitching up in the zone.
Weve heard that prior to about Velasquez. The clock is ticking. Possibly this is the year something clicks. If it is, the Phillies definitely wont complain.
He hung around including a cutter and improving his changeup. He used both pitches successfully in Tuesday nights outing. He still has that power fastball and a breaking ball. A much deeper, more consistent mix might enable him to finally open the tantalizing potential he has shown considering that getting here in the company as part of basic supervisor Matt Klentaks first big sell December 2015.
After Tuesday nights intrasquad game, Girardi was asked if Velasquez has actually moved into the lead in No. 5 starters derby.
There is a difference.
While Velasquez is attempting to win a spot in the rotation, Zack Wheelers spot is safe.
Vince Velasquez, wanting to earn one more shot in the Phillies starting rotation, may have taken an action in that instructions in an intrasquad game Tuesday night.
More on the Phillies.
