Philadelphia Phillies: 8 players to keep an eye on during Spring Training

Vince Velasquez, RHP

Ah yes, Vince Velasquez. The 28 year old right-hander who has somehow found himself on the Philadelphia Phillies roster for the sixth year in a row. Despite coming off a disastrous 2020 season where he posted a career-worst 5.56 ERA, the Phillies opted to keep him around via a $4 million contract.

The silver lining to “Vinny Velo’s” return is that he won’t be guaranteed a starting pitcher gig this spring. In fact, I’d make the argument that he’s currently slated to be either a bullpen piece or a spot-starter for doubleheaders – not someone who’s a fixture in the main rotation.

However, there’s no telling what Joe Girardi’s plan is for VV quite yet. He could opt to employ him as a long-reliever/spot-starter, he could permanently move him to the bullpen, or he could even slot him in as the team’s #5 starter for yet another season.

Obviously that last scenario is less than ideal, and a lot of that likely hinges on how guys likes Matt Moore, Chase Anderson, and possibly Spencer Howard look during Spring Training.

Regardless, the way in which Velasquez practices and prepares during camp will give us a good sense as to what the Phillies plan for him in 2021 ultimately is.