Vince Velasquez

According to Jim Salisbury, the Phillies and Vince Velasquez agreed to a $4 million deal for 2021 and avoided arbitration. Velasquez projects as the 4th starter for the Phillies.

Fantasy Impact

Velasquez is coming off an awful 2020 season where he finished with a 5.56 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 29.9% strikeout rate, and 11% walk rate in 34 innings. Although the strikeout rate reached a career-high, his walk rate also jumped to a career-high. He's typically a fastball-heavy pitcher that threw his 4-seamer 52.8% of the time, down from 62.5% in 2019. Velasquez made another pitch mix change in that he increased the curveball usage and significantly increased his changeup usage. It's something worth monitoring as a late-round flier or streaming pitcher during the 2021 season.

Phillies pitcher Vince Velasquez allowed three earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six over 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Rays on Friday.

Fantasy Impact

With the Phillies clinging to playoff hopes, Velasquez was only able to last 4 1/3 innings on Friday in a game Philadelphia would go on to lose. He finishes the season with a 5.56 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts over 34 innings.

Phillies pitcher Vince Velasquez allowed just one earned run on two hits and three walks while striking out six over six innings in Saturday's win over the Toronto Blue Jays. The win brings him to 1-1 on the season.

Fantasy Impact

The frustrating thing about Velasquez is that we know he has these kinds of performances in him because of his stuff. The problem is that he is wildly inconsistent and difficult to trust in fantasy. Through eight appearances (six starts) this season, the veteran right-hander has a 5.46 ERA and 40 strikeouts over 29 2/3 innings. His next start is currently scheduled to come against the Rays on the road.

Phillies pitcher Vince Velasquez allowed four earned runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out five over 3 2/3 innings in Monday's loss to the Miami Marlins.

Fantasy Impact

After striking out nine batters in his previous start, Velasquez faltered against the Marlins on Monday. He now has a 6.46 ERA through seven appearances but does have 34 strikeouts over 23 2/3 innings. It isn't clear if Velasquez is going to stay in the rotation at this point.

Phillies pitcher Vince Velasquez allowed two earned runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out nine over five innings in a no-decision against the Red Sox on Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact

Velasquez was only making a spot start on Tuesday but pitched fairly well, striking out nine batters to give him 29 strikeouts over 20 innings this season. It is not clear if he is going to make another start, however, and even if he does, his recent track record suggests he is not someone fantasy owners should rely on.