Andrew Velazquez, a professional baseball player, has been in the news recently due to his absence from the playing field. Despite being a reserve shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels, Velazquez has not been playing, leaving fans and analysts wondering why.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the possible reasons why Velazquez isn’t playing, from injuries to team decisions, and analyze the potential impact of his absence from the lineup.
We’ll also take a closer look at Velazquez’s background and career in baseball to provide context for the discussion.
Background on Andrew Velazquez
Andrew Velazquez is a 27-year-old professional baseball player who was born on July 14, 1994, in the Bronx, New York. He attended Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx and was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.
Velazquez began his professional career in 2012, playing in the Diamondbacks’ minor league system. He played for several of the organization’s minor league affiliates, including the AZL Diamondbacks, Missoula Osprey, Kane County Cougars, Visalia Rawhide, and Mobile BayBears.
In 2018, Velazquez was traded to the Cleveland Indians, and he made his Major League Baseball debut with the team on August 1 of that year. He played in 15 games for the Indians in 2018, batting .154 with one home run and two RBIs.
Velazquez signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 and was later selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game that year. He was called up to the Orioles in August 2019 and played in 54 games for the team, batting .213 with one home run and six RBIs.
In 2020, Velazquez was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox, where he played in 21 games, batting .159 with one home run and three RBIs. The following year, Velazquez signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels and was added to the team’s 40-man roster in November 2021.
Why Velazquez May Not Be Playing?
There could be multiple reasons why Andrew Velazquez is not currently playing for the Los Angeles Angels. Here are some possible explanations:.
Injury
One possible reason for Velazquez’s absence from the field is that he may be still recovering from an injury. As per the information given in the initial question, Velazquez underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee in September 2022.
Recovery from knee surgery can be a slow process, and it is possible that Velazquez has not yet been cleared to play by the team’s medical staff.
Performance
Another potential reason why Velazquez may not be playing is his performance. Velazquez had a .540 OPS in 125 games last season, which is below average.
It is possible that the team is giving playing time to other players who are performing better at the moment.
Team Decisions
Velazquez’s absence from the lineup could also be due to decisions made by the team. The Angels have several options at shortstop, including Jose Iglesias, who was acquired in the offseason, and David Fletcher, who has played there in the past.
The team may have decided to give playing time to these players over Velazquez due to their experience or current performance. Additionally, the team’s overall roster construction or lineup choices may also be contributing factors to Velazquez’s absence from the field.
It is important to note that without further information, it is difficult to determine the exact reason why Velazquez is not playing. It could be a combination of the reasons listed above or other factors not mentioned here.
Potential Impact of Velazquez Not Playing
The absence of Andrew Velazquez from the Angels lineup could have an impact on the team, both on the field and in terms of the team’s overall depth. Here are some potential impacts of Velazquez not playing:.
Depth
With Velazquez out of the lineup, the Angels’ depth at the shortstop position could be impacted. The team will have to rely on other players to fill his role, which could limit their flexibility and options in the infield.
Defensive Ability
Velazquez is known for his solid defensive skills and range at shortstop, and his absence could be felt on the field. Without him in the lineup, the team may see a decrease in their defensive ability, which could potentially impact their ability to win games.
Offensive Production
Velazquez’s absence could also impact the team’s offensive production. While Velazquez did not have a strong offensive season in 2022, he has shown flashes of potential in the past.
Without him in the lineup, the team may be missing out on a potential source of offense.
As for potential replacements for Velazquez, the Angels have several options at shortstop. Jose Iglesias, who was acquired in the offseason, is a veteran with extensive experience at the position.
David Fletcher, who has played shortstop in the past, could also fill in if needed. Additionally, the team has several other infielders, such as Jack Mayfield and Luis Rengifo, who could potentially play shortstop in a pinch.
The Angels will need to evaluate their options and determine who is best suited to fill Velazquez’s role in the lineup.
Andrew Velazquez’s Performance in the 2022 MLB Season
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 125 |
| Plate Appearances | 317 |
| At Bats | 274 |
| Runs | 19 |
| Hits | 52 |
| Doubles | 8 |
| Triples | 0 |
| Home Runs | 2 |
| RBI | 20 |
| Stolen Bases | 4 |
| Caught Stealing | 2 |
| Walks | 28 |
| Strikeouts | 63 |
| Batting Average (AVG) | .190 |
| On-Base Percentage | .279 |
| Slugging Percentage | .239 |
| On-Base Plus Slugging | .518 |
Note: Andrew Velazquez’s 2022 season was below average in terms of his offensive production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Andrew Velazquez expected to return to the lineup soon?
Unfortunately, without additional information, it is difficult to say when Velazquez will be back in the lineup. It could depend on the severity of his injury, his recovery process, and how he performs in practice.
What has been the reaction from fans and the media about Velazquez not playing?
There has not been a significant reaction from fans or the media about Velazquez not playing, likely because he is a relatively unknown player and not a star on the team.
Has Velazquez expressed any frustration about not playing?
There has been no public statement or indication from Velazquez about any frustration he may have about not playing.
Could Velazquez be traded or released if he continues to not play?
It is always possible that a player could be traded or released if they are not performing or fitting into the team’s plans. However, it is too early to say whether this is a possibility for Velazquez at this point.
How has the team been performing without Velazquez in the lineup?
It is difficult to attribute the team’s performance solely to Velazquez’s absence. The team’s overall performance will depend on a variety of factors, including the performance of other players and the team’s strategy and game plan.
To Recap
There could be multiple reasons why Andrew Velazquez is not currently playing for the Los Angeles Angels, including injury, performance, and team decisions.
Velazquez’s absence from the lineup could impact the team’s depth, defensive ability, and offensive production. The team will need to evaluate their options and determine the best way to fill Velazquez’s role in the lineup.
Ultimately, the Angels will need to rely on their depth and the performance of their other players to overcome Velazquez’s absence and continue to compete throughout the season.
