RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Add in all leagues
OWNED IN: 28% of leagues
ANALYSIS: Velasquez has always had upside, mainly in the strikeout department, but he's never really delivered on his potential. Heading into 2019, the right-hander had never had an ERA below 4.10 and routinely averaged under five innings per start, making him a frustrating fantasy commodity for wins and quality starts. There were questions if he'd even stick in the starting rotation for the long haul in the 2019 season.
So far, the 26-year-old has gotten it done, going 1-0 with a 1.99 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 22 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings in five outings (four starts). He's gone at least five innings in all four of his starts, and Velasquez even managed to make it a full six innings for a quality start against Miami on April 14. He hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in any of the four starts, while facing the Nationals, Rockies and Mets -- all decent offenses.
His walk rate is also at a career-low 2.78 per nine innings, although his low .228 BABIP against and extremely fortunate 96 percent strand rate mean that he won't be this good forever. Velasquez's xFIP of 4.22 suggests there will be some inevitable regression. Still, there's plenty to like here and he's worth riding while he's pitching well.
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