Velasquez to start Saturday, Morgan activated from IL

The Philadelphia Phillies begin a three-game series on Friday against the Miami Marlins. It’s no surprise that the Phils are slumping, so the 27-46 Marlins coming to town may be just the thing they need to get back on track. One of the many reasons the Phils have been having issues is that the Phillies rotation has not lived up to expectations thus far in 2019. Who could have expected Aaron Nola taking a significant step back? They haven’t gotten great results from Cole Irvin, Jerad Eickhoff or Vince Velasquez, but because of depth, Vince will have another opportunity to get back into the rotation after spending some time in the pen.

Velasquez is tabbed to start on Saturday night and according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies see this as another chance for Velasquez to be the team’s No. 5 starter. In seven starts this season, Vince has gone 1-3 with a 4.83 ERA, seven home runs allowed and a not-so-great WHIP of 1.421. He’s failed to get past the sixth inning in any of his seven starts, despite posting a 2.73 ERA through his first six games of the season. Vince’s most recent start came in the Phillies’ 15-1 loss to Atlanta on June 16. He allowed four runs in 2.1 innings of work. He’s allowed five earned runs in 10.1 innings out of the bullpen since being removed from the rotation after his start on May 6.

As for Sunday, the Phillies will call upon Enyel De Los Santos from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The 23-year-old has appeared in four games out of the bullpen for the Phils this year, allowing five runs in seven innings. He’s been solid for the Ironpigs in eight starts, posting a 3.28 ERA. He’s held the opposition to three runs or less in six of his last eight starts at the Triple-A level.

On a good note heading into the weekend, the Phillies will be getting one of their most important bullpen arms back as Adam Morgan has been activated after being placed on the disabled list with a left forearm strain on May 29. Morgan has been one of the most reliable relief arms for the Phillies this season, posting a 1.96 ERA in 18.1 innings of work with 18 strikeouts. He pitched a scoreless inning for Double-A Reading on June 19 as part of a rehab appearance.