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Philadelphia Phillies taking “quantity over quality” approach to their rotation

By David Esser

Mar 11, 2020; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chase Anderson (22) delivers a pitch during the second inning of a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2020; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chase Anderson (22) delivers a pitch during the second inning of a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Phillies Vince Velasquez
Sep 8, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez (21) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Vince Velasquez, RHP

Despite everyone’s (very loud) pleas on social media, the Philadelphia Phillies opted to retain RHP Vince Velasquez this offseason, avoiding arbitration by handing him a one-year deal worth $4 million. While most fans were sick and tired of “Vinny Velo” after yet another disappointing season in 2020, the organization’s goal of prioritizing pitching depth this offseason included bringing back the hard-throwing righty.

The good news when it comes to Velasquez’ role in 2021 is that is should be smaller compared to what it was in years past. The additions of Anderson and Moore should bump VV out of the starting rotation altogether, which means he could either be used as a bullpen piece or a sixth starter/long man.

For example, if an injury were to take place or if the Phillies were playing a double-header, Velasquez would be the type of arm to turn to for a quick five inning outing.

Like all the names that are being mentioned on this list, Velasquez will ultimately get a shot to compete for a starting job during trading camp. However, barring some sort of crazy breakthrough from the right-hander, my guess is he’ll start off the season not in the starting rotation.

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