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Phillies SP Vince Velasquez Dominates in Double-A Rehab Start

By George Stockburger

Apr 9, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez (28) throws the ball during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez (28) throws the ball during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Help may be on the way for the Philadelphia Phillies in the form of a healthy Vincent Velasquez

After another dreadful start by Adam Morgan Wednesday evening in Minnesota, the Phillies received some encouraging news regarding starting pitcher Vincent Velasquez.

After being placed on the 15 day disabled list with a right biceps strain, Velasquez was scheduled to make a rehab appearance in Double-A Reading Wednesday night.

Velasquez threw 76 pitches in five innings, allowing only two hits and an earned run off a first inning solo home run. He walked one batter and struck out three in Reading’s 4-1 victory over the Akron RubberDucks.

Of his 76 pitches on Wednesday, 51 were for strikes as he helped the Fightin’ Phils to their 50th win of the season and snapped a three game losing streak.

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He was supported by Rhys Hoskins 18th home run of the season, which was immediately followed up by a Jake Fox solo home run in the bottom of the third inning.

The young right-hander said he anticipates only needing one rehab start before returning to the Phillies, but will be evaluated prior to any moves being made.

Phillies relief pitcher Andrew Bailey suffered a mild hamstring strain in last nights loss to the Minnesota Twins, which could make for an easy roster move for GM Matt Klentak should Bailey need time on the disabled list.

Starter Adam Morgan could also be sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make room for Velasquez after allowing five runs in five innings of work. If not for the Phillies offensive outburst against a horrid Twins team, Morgan would have been well on his way to his seventh loss on the early season.

In 11 starts this season, Adam Morgan has pitched 57.2 innings, giving up 78 hits, 42 runs, 14 walks, and striking out 48 batters.

The Phillies will look to salvage the series against the Minnesota Twins Thursday behind Jared Eickhoff, who is looking for some help from his offense to creep closer to a .500 record.

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