The Cubs are set to call up outfield prospect Nelson Velazquez prior to tomorrow’s doubleheader with the Brewers, as Velazquez revealed his first MLB promotion via his Instagram page (hat tip to Tim Stebbins of NBC Sports Chicago).
A fifth-round pick in the 2017 draft, Velazquez is ranked 15th on Baseball America’s list of the top 30 Cubs prospects, and 16th on MLB Pipeline’s list. Velazquez broke out by crushing Double-A pitching in both 2021 and 2022, while in between starring in Arizona Fall League play. Earning his first promotion to Triple-A just earlier this month, Velazquez has slowed down at the plate, batting only .214/.291/.414 over 79 plate appearances for the Iowa Cubs.
This modest production at Triple-A hints at Velazquez still being an unfinished product as a hitter, as he has struck out in 29 of those 79 PA. The BA and Pipeline scouting reports each observe that Velazquez is prone to strikeouts and chasing pitches, but when he does make contact, the 23-year-old has shown plenty of raw power and exit velocity. Flattening out his swing last season was one of the key factors to his improvement in Double-A ball. Defensively, Velazquez seems big league-ready, capable of playing at least a decent center field but perhaps more suited to right field given his strong throwing arm.
That right field capability could hint at Velazquez’s role with Chicago, as Seiya Suzuki has been bothered by a sprained ring finger on his left hand. The injury forced Suzuki to make an early exit from Thursday’s game and he hasn’t played since, so a trip to the injured list might create a vacancy in the Cubs’ outfield.
If Suzuki doesn’t require the IL, Stebbins notes two other roster possibilities for Velazquez, including the open roster spot created when Chris Martin was placed on the bereavement list earlier today. As well, Velazquez might also just be a temporary call-up as the 27th man for Monday’s pair of games. A 40-man roster adjustment isn’t necessary, as the Cubs already added Velazquez to their 40-man last November to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.
Good job. Get to work.
I’m guessing he’s up for the doubleheader and depending on Suzuki’s status, May go back on Tuesday. At least he’ll get his feet wet.
He’s coming up for Chris Martin, who went on bereavement leave.
Cubs have used all the acquaintable lists that exist for replacing players up and down the minors.
I’m shocked the cubs are promoting valezquez….the guy has been awful in AAA so far and his strike out rate is over 40 percent… maybe they are trying to pull a javy on him and let him get a dose of reality at the ML level.
If Suzuki can’t play the field today, they need somebody on the 40-man to be the backup RF so that Ortega and Morel don’t both have to play both ends of todays DH. Having to call up Higgins when Gomes got hurt took the 40-man spot that Heyward needs to come off the COVID IL.
As always, we await developments.