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May 6, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp (29) talks with starting pitcher Vince Velasquez (28) after he allowed a three run home run to Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Vince Velasquez pitch count

The narrative surrounding Vince Velasquez once again is his lack of efficiency on the mound. He averages 17.6 pitches per innings, which is the 13th-highest mark among qualified pitchers.

The lone time Velasquez finished seven innings this season, and the first time he did since his last start of 2016, he did record eight strikeouts and didn’t walk anyone. However, he gave up six runs on seven hits, including two home runs, as he was the losing pitcher in Philadelphia’s 6-1 loss to the Nationals on May 6.

In his last start against the Nationals, it took Velasquez 100 pitches to finish five innings. He gave up three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks with five strikeouts. It was the first time all season he didn’t give up a home run, so yay! Progress!

Short starts plagued the Phils during their series in Texas as no starter went past six innings and two were done by the fifth. The bullpen is once again overworked after throwing so many innings against the Rangers. Velasquez has to do whatever he can to stay in the game for as long as he can as the bullpen can’t afford any more short starts.

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