After beginning the season at Triple-A Iowa, Chicago Cubs outfielder Nelson Velazquez made his presence known in his first start of the 2023 season last week.
Batting ninth and playing right field, Velazquez drew his first start at the Major League level since last fall. Velazquez went 3-for-4, with a walk, a double, and a grand slam that capped an eight-run comeback to put the Cubs up 8-7, after the Seattle Mariners got off to an early 7-0 lead.
Velazquez put together a very professional at bat against Mariners starter Chris Flexen, going ahead in the count, and receiving the green light on a 3-1 fastball that Velazquez sent into the Wrigley bleachers for his first home run of the season.
Despite his impressive showing Tuesday night, Velazquez was absent from David Ross' lineup card the next day, with Miles Mastrobuoni starting in right field and batting eighth. Ross opted not to ride a hot hand, placing Velazquez on the bench. Velazquez was also held out of action from Friday's game, with Edwin Rios starting at designated hitter. Saturday, Velazquez was sent down to Triple-A Iowa, to make room for relief pitcher Brandon Hughes.
In eight games in Triple-A, Velazquez is batting .364 with a .432 On Base Percentage, .697 Slugging Percentage, 1.129 OPS, three home runs and seven RBI. Velazquez could soon return to the Cubs' big league team, with Cody Bellinger expected to be placed on the paternity list soon. Still, the decision to immediately sit and send down Velazquez after he put together one of the best offensive showings from any Cubs player in any game this season, has drawn some criticism from fans. It's not often that a player who is batting .750 with an .800 On Base Percentage, 1.750 Slugging Percentage, 2.550 OPS and 566 OPS+ is sent down to the minors.
Meanwhile, on the farm, fan favorite and standout rookie from 2022 Christopher Morel is slashing .378/.500/1.322 with four home runs and 14 RBI in Triple-A.
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