RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Leagues
OWNED IN: 16% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: As the biggest prize for the Philadelphia Phillies in the Ken Giles trade this past winter, Vince Velasquez was not only expected to compete for a rotation spot but also to be a major factor early in 2016. Velasquez was nothing short of dominant in his first start of the year vs the New York Mets with 6 IP while giving up 3 hits and racking up 9 K. He relied heavily on his fastball early on and had amazing success with it without having to fall back on his off speed pitches to help him through his outing.
Some fantasy owners might be concerned that Velasquez throws his fastball too often at a 68.5% clip but Velasquez should stay right around that mark this year as he refines his curveball, slider and changeup to match his elite fastball. He is also most likely on a pitch count that will be more important later in the season but right now Velasquez proved that his paltry 16% ownership is sure to change sooner rather than later. Velasquez does play for a fairly inept offense in Philadelphia but as long as he hovers around a 3:1 K/BB ratio and aims to have a 75% LOB rate Velasquez should have no issues becoming a breakout star that you will be glad is pitching for you instead of your opponent.
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