Andrew Velazquez is a 28-year-old baseball player who has had a relatively short but eventful career in the major leagues. After spending several years in the minors, Velazquez was called up to the majors and has played for multiple teams.
However, his 2022 season was a tough one, with low numbers at the plate and a season-ending injury. In this article, we will explore what happened to Andrew Velazquez and what his future in baseball may hold.
Andrew Velazquez’s Career
Andrew Velazquez began his baseball career in high school, where he was a standout player and caught the attention of scouts. He was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh round of the 2012 MLB draft and began his professional career in the minors.
Velazquez spent several years in the Diamondbacks’ minor league system before being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018. He continued to work his way up through the minors and was called up to the majors for the first time in 2018.
Velazquez played in 16 games for the Rays that season, recording a .258 batting average and an .804 OPS.
After spending part of the 2019 season in the minors, Velazquez was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 2020. He played in seven games for the Indians that season, but struggled at the plate, recording just one hit in 16 at-bats.
Velazquez was then claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles in September 2020. He played in 40 games for the Orioles in 2021, recording a .540 OPS across 125 games with poor results against both left- and right-handed pitching.
While Velazquez’s career hasn’t been filled with major achievements or milestones thus far, he has shown flashes of potential and has continued to work hard to improve his game.
Velazquez’s Struggles in 2022
In the 2022 season, Andrew Velazquez played in 125 games for the Baltimore Orioles, but struggled at the plate throughout the season. He recorded a .540 OPS, which is significantly below the league average and is an indication of a player’s overall offensive performance.
One of Velazquez’s biggest struggles was his inconsistency against left- and right-handed pitching. Against lefties, he had a .503 OPS, while against righties, he had a .575 OPS.
This lack of success against both types of pitching made it difficult for Velazquez to find a consistent role in the Orioles’ lineup.
In addition to his struggles at the plate, Velazquez also faced some challenges in the field. He made 11 errors during the season, which is a high number for a player primarily used as a middle infielder.
Overall, Velazquez’s struggles in 2022 were a disappointment for the Orioles, who had hoped he could be a productive player for them. His struggles at the plate, combined with his defensive miscues, made it difficult for him to contribute consistently to the team’s success.
Velazquez Drops Switch-hitting
In the middle of the 2022 season, Andrew Velazquez made the decision to drop switch-hitting and hit exclusively right-handed. This decision was made after he had struggled significantly from both sides of the plate throughout the season.
Velazquez had been a switch-hitter for most of his career, but had never been particularly successful from the left side of the plate. His struggles against left-handed pitching had become especially pronounced in 2022, as he was hitting just .177 with a .503 OPS from the left side of the plate.
After some discussions with his coaches and teammates, Velazquez decided to abandon switch-hitting and focus solely on hitting right-handed. This decision was made in the middle of the season, which can be difficult for any player as they adjust to a new approach at the plate.
In the short term, the impact of Velazquez’s decision to drop switch-hitting was mixed. He did see some improvement in his numbers against left-handed pitching, hitting .250 with a .636 OPS from the right side of the plate.
However, his overall offensive performance remained lackluster, and he finished the season with a .540 OPS.
It remains to be seen whether Velazquez will continue to hit exclusively right-handed going forward, or if he will try to reintroduce switch-hitting at some point.
However, his decision to make the change in the middle of the season was a bold move that demonstrated his commitment to improving his performance at the plate.
Velazquez’s Season-ending Injury
Andrew Velazquez suffered a season-ending knee injury on August 15, 2022, while attempting to steal second base during a game against the New York Yankees.
The injury was diagnosed as a torn ACL in his left knee, which required surgery to repair.
The injury was a significant blow for Velazquez, who had been struggling at the plate but had been a key contributor on defense for the Orioles. He had played primarily at shortstop and second base, and his speed and athleticism had made him a valuable asset in the field.
After undergoing surgery to repair his knee, Velazquez began the long road to recovery. He was placed on the 60-day injured list and did not play for the rest of the season.
As of the time of this writing, there have not been any updates on Velazquez’s recovery or potential return to the field. ACL injuries typically require several months of rehabilitation before a player can return to full strength, and the timeline for Velazquez’s recovery will depend on the severity of his injury and how well he responds to treatment.
Assuming his recovery goes well, it is possible that Velazquez could return to the field in the 2023 season. However, his injury is a reminder of how quickly a player’s season can be derailed by injury, and how important it is for players to prioritize their health and safety as they work to compete at the highest level.
Velazquez’s Future in Baseball
Andrew Velazquez’s future in baseball is uncertain at this point, but there are several potential paths he could take as he looks to get his career back on track.
Assuming his recovery from his ACL injury goes well, Velazquez could have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with the Orioles or another team in the 2023 season.
He is still only 28 years old and has shown flashes of potential at various points in his career, particularly on defense.
However, Velazquez will also face several challenges as he looks to rebuild his career. His struggles at the plate in 2022 were a major concern, and it remains to be seen whether he can improve his offensive performance to become a more well-rounded player.
Additionally, his knee injury is a reminder of how quickly a player’s health can be compromised in a sport as physically demanding as baseball.
One potential opportunity for Velazquez could be to focus on his defensive skills and try to become a defensive specialist who can contribute to a team in that capacity.
He has shown the ability to play multiple positions and has a strong arm, and could potentially carve out a niche for himself as a utility player.
Ultimately, Velazquez’s future in baseball will depend on a variety of factors, including his health, his performance on the field, and the needs of the teams that may be interested in signing him.
However, if he is able to stay healthy and continue to develop his skills, there is reason to believe that he could still have a long and successful career ahead of him.
Andrew Velazquez’s career statistics:
| Season | Team | Games Played | Batting Average | On-Base Percentage | Slugging Percentage | OPS | Home Runs | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | BAL | 125 | .238 | .295 | .245 | .540 | 2 | 13 |
| 2022 | BAL | 41 | .180 | .244 | .240 | .484 | 0 | 5 |
| Career | N/A | 191 | .224 | .282 | .249 | .530 | 3 | 25 |
Note: Career statistics as of the end of the 2022 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams has Andrew Velazquez played for?
Andrew Velazquez has played for several teams throughout his career, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and Baltimore Orioles.
What position does Andrew Velazquez play?
Andrew Velazquez is primarily a middle infielder, with experience at shortstop, second base, and third base.
Has Andrew Velazquez ever been recognized for his play on the field?
While he has not yet received any major awards or accolades, Andrew Velazquez has been recognized for his defensive skills and athleticism, particularly in the minor leagues.
How long has Andrew Velazquez been playing professional baseball?
Andrew Velazquez was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012 and has been playing professional baseball for over a decade.
Does Andrew Velazquez have any notable achievements or records?
While he does not have any major records or achievements to his name at this point in his career, Andrew Velazquez has shown the potential to be a valuable contributor on both offense and defense.
To Recap
Andrew Velazquez’s career has been marked by both highs and lows, from his early success in the minor leagues to his struggles at the plate in the 2022 season and his subsequent knee injury.
While his future in baseball is uncertain at this point, there are several potential paths he could take as he looks to get his career back on track.
Whether Velazquez is able to return to form as an everyday player or carve out a niche as a defensive specialist, his journey serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that exist in the world of professional baseball.
It also highlights the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity, both on and off the field.
