When Vincent Velasque left the mound on June 8 after just a few pitches with a sharp velocity drop, many feared the worst for a pitcher who has already had Tommy John surgery in his career. But the Phillies caught a break, as the biceps injury wasn't serious. Now after making a rehab start last week, Velasquez has been activated and will return to the Phillies rotation on Monday.
Velasquez's first start back from the disabled list will come against the Arizona Diamondbacks, his first start against the Diamondbacks. The young righty faces a Diamondbacks team that owns a .316 weight on-base average versus righties this season, but has struck out in 23.4 percent of their at bats versus righties.
After being cautious with its young arm, Philadelphia will turn to its young hurler who enters with 10.65 K/9 rate this season and a 28.4 percent swinging strike rate. Velasquez makes for a risky play in DFS on Monday, but could be worth it if you want to take a chance on the strikeout upside.