He had been highly critical of himself following each of his first two starts this season, allowing a combined nine runs in nine innings. He called his performances "terrible," "horrible," and "lousy." But he said he regrouped recently in the bullpen, working and talking with Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure.
"It's just amazing how I dominate, throwing no-hitters in bullpens," Velasquez said following Wednesday night's 5-4 loss to the Mets at Citi Field. "If I could take that over here it'd be amazing. It's just a matter of regathering. Just letting my athletic ability take over.