OOTP 3/30: Mets 5, Phillies 3

Hey, here’s a shocker: Vince Velasquez had a poor start to a game.

Still fighting for his job in the rotation even though he took it from Nick Pivetta, Velasquez began his 2020 season by giving up a leadoff homerun to Amed Rosario. Two runs later and the Phillies were already behind the Mets, 3-0.

They never recovered.

The Phillies didn’t do much on offense outside of some home runs by Hoskins and Gregorius, but those were the big thumps of the game. Outside of three other hits, the Rick Porcello largely held the team at bay, allowing only five hits over 8 innings (111 pitches!). Rosario was the clear star of the game, going 3 for 4 with that leadoff home run and double, two runs scored and two RBI.

Velasquez is not going to simply be handed the reins to the fifth starter’s position. He’ll be skipped more often than not, especially in this OOTP sim, which likes to give the most rested starter the most innings.

The team drops to 3-2 and will have to deal with Jacob deGrom tomorrow night. Luckily the Phillies will be countering with their own ace in Aaron Nola. Should be quite the show.