Righty Vince Velasquez elected free agency after being outrighted by the Cubs on Tuesday, according to the MiLB.com transaction tracker. Infielder Scott Kingery was also outrighted and had the right to test the market, but he evidently accepted the assignment. He’s in the lineup tonight with Triple-A Iowa.
Velasquez signed an offseason minor league deal with Chicago. He started three of four appearances with Iowa, allowing eight runs (seven earned) through 17 innings. He struck out 19 opponents while issuing nine walks and hitting a batter.
The Cubs brought Velasquez up for a long relief spot last week. He pitched 2 1/3 scoreless frames in a blowout loss to the Dodgers. That was his first MLB appearance in three years. Velasquez threw 31 pitches and wasn’t going to be available the next day, so the Cubs designated him for assignment. He went unclaimed on waivers.
There’s a decent chance Velasquez returns to the Cubs on a new minor league deal. That’s the most common outcome in these situations, but the 33-year-old could explore opportunities elsewhere if he sees a better path back to the highest level with a different organization.
Pirates could use some arms that get people out. 2023 reunion.
Yep. They have a lot of youth and inexperience. It’s funny that some thought they’d automatically blossom like Skenes. But Bubba is a ways off before becoming a good pitcher. Mlodzinski has a 3 inning shelf life. And the jury is still out on Ashcraft.
Why not bring VV back?
This guy has always had nasty stuff. Does anyone know what happened? Would otherwise love to see him on the pads or giants
Came up with a 95mph heater and now he’s sitting 91. That’ll kill many pitchers.
I always thought he would have done better as a reliever, but their starters kept self-destructing and forcing him into the rotation every year.
Yeah Iowa sucks.
Astros. Why not.
Alex Anthopoulos just said. “Hold my beer”
Payamps and J Saurez should never throw another pitch again for the Braves. DFA both and see what Vince can do as a RP.
We use Payamps in my ska band.
Agreed. Tho, Payamps hasn’t been terrible. But I say no way to Jose. He hasn’t been very good and with Strider and Iglesias coming back, he can go. Hopefully Dodd can get back soon also. And they have a lot of pitching talent in the farm. Bring em up.
Anyone remember when he threw with his left hand to get the out at first?
Or gunned that runner out from LF?
I just checked that out. Pretty good!
Also the diving catch he made in LF in the same game
I remember all of these plays.
Sadly, “could explore opportunities elsewhere if he sees a better path”… that opportunity elsewhere with a better path would be not as a MLB pitcher.
The plays
youtube.com/shorts/F239dtIR0dA?si=oEHpw1EXWkEU0BZm
I think the Tigers should give him a shot since we are going through pitching injuries right now a strength has turned into a weakness right now so why not see what he could do with Chris fetter ect.