After the last start by Phillies pitcher Vince Velasquez, many called for him to be removed from the rotation, in one way or the other. After the controversial start on Monday in which Velasquez was not cooperative with the pitch calling of All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies will not see Velasquez make his next start. However, it will be due to injury.
According to several published reports including Meghan Montemurro of the Athletic, Velasquez is headed to the injured list:
Vince Velasquez has been put on the IL with a right forearm strain. Austin Davis has been recalled from AAA. #Phillies
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) May 11, 2019
The Phillies will need to add another starter, but not immediately due to Thursday's off day.
Earlier today, Matt Rappa of Sports Talk Philly reported that Austin Davis was heading to the big club. At the time, it was unclear what corresponding roster move would be made. Davis made one scoreless appearance for the big club this season. At Triple-A Davis is 1-0 with a 1.13 earned run average in 11 games.
The move appears to be a bullpen bridge until they determine the next starter.
One possibility would be to return Nick Pivetta from Triple-A. Pivetta is 2-1 with a 3.60 earned run average in four starts at Triple-A since being optioned in favor of starter Jerad Eickhoff. Pivetta last pitched on Thursday, which means he could start Tuesday if his name is called.
However, it could be that Cole Irvin will take a place in the Phillies starting rotation. Irvin is 2-0 with a 2.25 earned run average at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Irvin is coming off a season in which he led the International League in wins and earned run average. The Phillies have a 40-man roster spot available after outfielder Aaron Altherr was designed for assignment and subsequently claimed by the San Francisco Giants.
Irvin was supposed to start tonight, but it appears Drew Anderson will start instead.
