Phillies: 10 keys to winning the National League East

CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 11: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to manager Gabe Kapler prior to a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Spectrum Field on March 11, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. The Rays won 8-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 28: Vince Velasquez #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies checks the ball during the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. MLB players across the league are wearing special uniforms to commemorate Memorial Day. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Vince Velasquez has to prove he belongs

Going into the 2019 season Vince Velasquez is on a very short leash. Despite entering his fourth season with the Phillies, Velasquez must prove this year, and early for that matter, that he can be a big league starting pitcher for a contending team.

Through 76 career starts, seven of which came with Houston prior to coming over in the Ken Giles trade, and 89 total appearances, Velasquez has a disappointing 4.60 ERA. He’s struck out 439 batters in just over 400 innings but is six games below .500 for his career.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 03: Vince Velasquez #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after hitting a double in the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on August 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

This season Velasquez is viewed as the weakest link in the Phillies rotation having proved little if anything. For as many dominant stretches as he’s had in his young career Velasquez has had just as many struggles. Despite having a 2.30 ERA in May and a 0.95 ERA in July Velasquez finished 2018 with a 4.85 ERA, the second-worst of his career.

It’s a far cry from the optimism surrounding the righty when he struck out 16 Padres in a three-hit shutout during his Citizens Bank Park debut on April 14, 2016.

Philadelphia will continue to develop talent in 2019, but they are focused on winning now more than ever. Jerad Eickhoff, Drew Anderson, Enyel De Los Santos, Ranger Suarez, and Cole Irvin sit just an hour away up 476 for their opportunity with the Phillies. Even though Dallas Keuchel looms on the free agent market, I think the Phillies would be more willing to give a young arm the opportunity to pitch with less long-term financial commitment.

If Velasquez slips up in the first month of the season there will be more than a few calls for Velasquez to take a seat.