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Phillies: Do Pivetta or Velasquez benefit from a shorter season

By David Esser

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Nick Pivetta #43 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks with pitching coach Chris Young #45 in the dugout during a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on April 16, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Mets 14-3. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Nick Pivetta #43 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks with pitching coach Chris Young #45 in the dugout during a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on April 16, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Mets 14-3. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 15: Vince Velasquez #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park on August 15, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

This might be the last shot for Phillies starter Vince Velasquez

On the other side of this debate is Vince “Vinny Velo” Velasquez. A four year veteran of the team, Velasquez’s starts have long been met with groans from Phillies fans. Despite being an athletic freak and possessing a fastball that can regularly get into the high 90s, his career ERA with the Phillies sits at an abysmal 4.70.

Now while there was little evidence to suggest that Pivetta would succeed in a limited starting role, it’s the complete opposite when it comes to Velasquez. The hard throwing righty is actually known for his ability to start off hot. It became a routine for him in 2019, coming out of the gate firing through the first few batters before ultimately fading off. It’s what led to former manager Gabe Kapler tossing him in the bullpen.

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Velasquez’s ERA by Inning:

First: 4.12

Second: 3.82

Third: 5.58

Fourth: 3.01

Fifth: 6.60

Sixth: 5.36

While it may be unorthodox, using Velasquez as a 3-4 inning “opener” could be all the difference this year. While his form does seem to dip for some reason in the third inning of ball games, his overall production at the start of games is far better than that of Pivetta. In a 60 game season, a few wins could genuinely make all the difference between making the playoffs or missing out.

In my “Pivetta vs Velasquez” article from sixth months ago, I made the conclusion that Pivetta would be the better bet going forward. However, with the way everything has shaped up, giving Velasquez one final year in the rotation is likely the Phillies best bet going forward.

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