Grapefruit Game 16 - 2018 Topps Heritage #496 Vince Velasquez

Rays 5, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 16 - Saturday Afternoon, March 10th in Clearwater
Record - 6-10

One Sentence Summary:  Vince Velasquez looks to be ready for the start of the season, throwing four shutout innings in this 5-3 win over the Rays.

What It Means:  Work black hole continues . . . I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm anxious to get back to semi-regular and daily posting.

What Happened:  Velasquez allowed three hits and struck out two in his outing.  Hector Neris blew his first save of the spring, surrendering three Rays runs in the decisive ninth inning.

Featured Card:  Velasquez has one of two Phillies short-prints in the 2018 Topps Heritage set, with Nick Pivetta being the other.

Camp Head Count:  55 - 6 = 49.  The Phillies continued the pattern of sending down a few pitchers prior to the game, and then a few position players after the game.  Before the game, pitcher Ricardo Pinto was optioned and pitchers Enyel De Los Santos, Cole Irvin and Brandon Leibrandt were reassigned to minor league camp.  After the game, infielder Heiker Meneses and catcher Nick Rickles were also reassigned.