Before the start of the 2019 season, the Phillies had a handful of young question marks in their rotation. Everyone hoped Nick Pivetta or Zach Eflin would fulfill their potential and become a number 2 or 3 starter. People gushed as both Pivetta and Eflin threw complete games. It wasn’t rare to see #breakoutPivetta around Twitter.
But nobody. NOBODY. Expected Vince Velasquez to be the last young starter to remain in the rotation.
Even though Velasquez started the season as the 5-starter, his first appearance came in relief. On the 4th day of the season, Velasquez struck out 2 nationals in an inning of a 8-2 win.