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Fifth-Starter Battle: Velasquez, Oberholtzer charge ahead

Monday provided an opportunity for Phillies fans to watch two players on the 25-man roster bubble compete in a game setting, as Vincent Velasquez and Brett Oberholtzer, combined, pitched six shutout innings against the Pirates in a 1-0 win.

It’s still very early to make any conclusions on any position battles; that said, let’s look at what we have so far from those – including Velasquez and Oberholtzer – competing to make the opening day starting rotation.

Vincent Velasquez - He’d rather go by “Vince,” or – praise – “Vinny from Philly,” which immediately earns intangible points for the 6’3”, 23-year-old right-hander who pitched 55 innings last year for Houston.