Phillies place Vince Velasquez on 60-day disabled list, ending his season
By John Town
The Phillies ended Vince Velasquez’s 2017 season, transferring the righty to the 60-day disabled list due to his finger injury.
Vince Velasquez’s finger injury is much more severe than he even realized. Tuesday the Phillies moved Velasquez to the 60-day disabled list, ending his 2017 season with just 72 innings pitched. Velasquez last pitched Aug. 10 when he exited his start against the Mets after just one innings with pain in his right finger.
Matt Gelb of Philly.com reported Saturday night that Velasquez will go to St. Louis to see Dr. Robert Thompson, one of the top experts on thoraic outlet syndrome. This occurs when the nerves and blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib are compressed, which may be why this finger issue is occuring. Several MLB pitchers have deal with this syndrome, including Matt Harvey, Tyson Ross, and Luke Hochevar.
Velasquez had an unspectacular year, posting a 5.13 ERA in 15 starts while walking 10.8 percent of opposing hitters. He struggled to last deep into games for the second straight year because of his control issues.
More from Phillies News
- Philadelphia Phillies bullpen could still struggle greatly in 2023 season
- Philadelphia Phillies: Most impactful transactions in 2022
- How will Rob Thomson manage the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen in 2023?
- How Phillies’ Ranger Suárez is set to build on 2022 postseason dominance
- What can Philadelphia Phillies expect from Bryson Stott in 2023?
This injury only muddies the water in terms of what Velasquez’s future in Philadelphia will be. With two straight years of middling results in the rotation, it may be time to move him to the bullpen. With a strong fastball and solid secondary pitches, some even see him as a future closer. Whether or not the team makes this move depends on how much confidence they have left in Velasquez.
In a corresponding move, the team selected the contract of right-handed reliever Yacksel Rios from Triple-A. In 37 appearances between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Rios has a 1.92 ERA, struck out 64 batters, and walked 14 in 56.1 innings.
Next: What trade would bring Giancarlo Stanton to Philly
In additional injury news Tuesday, Zach Eflin was sent to the 10-day disabled list with a shoulder injury retroactive to Saturday. Nick Pivetta was called up to start the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader, but it’s unsure who will will Eflin’s spot in the rotation.