Phillies, Vince Velasquez look to snap 4-game skids against Braves

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

PHILADELPHIA — Looking to snap their four-game losing streak, the Philadelphia Phillies (60-74) will send RHP Vince Velasquez to the mound in opposition of the Atlanta Braves (52-83) and rookie RHP John Gant Saturday evening at Citizens Bank Park.

Similar to his team, Velasquez has lost four consecutive decisions and has not won since July 8 at Coors Field. In his eight starts since, the Phillies right-hander has a 5.76 ERA with 50 hits, 29 runs, 19 walks and 10 home runs allowed over 45 1/3 innings.

With four starts and 13 appearances overall so far during his rookie season, Gant has a 33-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio and four home runs allowed through 33 1/3 innings.

Starting Pitching Matchup:

John Gant — Age: 24;

• Last Appearance: August 26, 2016, at SFG: ND, 2.0 IP, 3 H, R, ER, SO
• Career vs. PHI: N/A

Gant was recently recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett as the replacement to injured RHP Arodys Vizcaino (shoulder). On August 21, he was activated from the 15-day disabled list after being sidelined since late June with a strained left oblique.

Vince Velasquez — Age: 24;

• Last Start: August 28, 2016, at NYM: ND, 5.0 IP, 5 H, R, ER, BB, 7 SO
• Career vs. ATL: (0-1), 2 G, 12.0 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 10 SO, 4.50 ERA

Both of Velasquez's two career starts against the Braves came this season on May 12 and July 29 at Turner Field. He struck out exactly one-fifth of the 50 combined Braves batters he faced between these two outings.

Starting Lineups:

Broadcast Information:

• First pitch: 7:05 p.m.
• TV: CSN
• Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game Notes:

• Gant was drafted by the New York Mets in the 21st round of the 2011 amateur draft. On July 24 of his season, he was dealt to the Braves — along with RHP Robert Whalen — in exchange for veteran infielders Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe.
• The Phillies' 8-4 loss during the series opener on Friday put them at a season-worst 14 games under .500. Last season, they were 14 or more games under .500 through 108 games and reached a high of 39 games below the .500 mark on Sept. 26.
• Since August 19, former Phillies Rule 5 outfielder Ender Inciarte is batting .446 (25-56) with five doubles, two triples, one home run, nine walks and 10 RBIs. While Inciarte made the Phillies' 2013 Opening Day roster, he was returned to the Arizona Diamondbacks after just one game upon being designated for assignment to make room for newly-acquired outfielder Ezequiel Carrera.

Standings:

What's Next:

• Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016: vs. Atlanta Braves, 1:35 p.m.
• Citizens Bank Park
  
• RHP Julio Teheran (4-9, 3.12 ERA) vs. RHP Jake Thompson (1-4, 7.86 ERA)
• TV: CSN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP