Vincent Velasquez (SP, HOU) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 2% of Yahoo Leagues

ANALYSIS: Vincent Velasquez was very solid in his Major League debut on Wednesday. He hurled 5 innings of shutout ball, walking 4, giving up 3 hits, and fanning 5. He managed this with only 90 pitches. It wasn't an incredibly efficient outing, and the free passes definitely drove up his pitch count, but overall it was a good first crack at big league batters.

Velasquez has good velocity, typically in the 91-95 range with movement. His out pitch though is a devastating change-up that is going to make big league hitters look silly for years to come. With only 26.1 IP above A-ball, some growing pains are to be expected. The upside is real though, as he had a 3.26 ERA in his 5 minor league seasons.

Velasquez has a chance to be very serviceable in 2015. His next start will be against the Rockies (in Houston), which is a positive matchup for the youngster as the Rockies aren't very formidable away from Coors field..