Vince Velasquez Feels Great, But Victor Arano Needs a Second Opinion

CHICAGO - Vince Velasquez's elbow is feeling better.

Victor Arano's is not.

Let's start with Arano:

One of the Phillies' top relievers last season, Arano has had a difficult 2019. He struggled badly in spring training and opened the season with a quick trip to the minors. Most recently, he has been plagued by a sore right elbow.

Even after a month on the injured list, Arano is still feeling discomfort in the elbow. The team will send him to Los Angeles next Monday to be examined by noted orthopedist Neal ElAttrache.

"Victor came out of his last bullpen not feeling great so we're going to get him a second opinion," manager Gabe Kapler said. "I'm concerned because he's concerned. Any time that our pitchers have concerns, I'm going to be concerned right along with them."

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Could it be that Arano is on his way to Tommy John surgery?

"That doesn't feel like the concern right now," Kapler said. "That's not what we're thinking. But to have him go get examined because he has a little bit of swelling and discomfort feels like the right play."

As for Velasquez: He played long toss up to 120 feet on Monday and later said he felt completely healthy. The right-hander went on the injured list nine days ago with soreness in his elbow.

"No pain," Velasquez said. "I'm 100 percent."

"He's good," Kapler confirmed. "There are no long-term concerns."

Velasquez is scheduled to throw in the bullpen on Wednesday.

At some point in the near future, the Phils are going to have to make a decision on Velasquez. He is out of minor-league options. Once he's activated, he will have to go back in the starting rotation or be used out of the bullpen. Velasquez wants to remain a starter, but his replacement, lefty Cole Irvin, has authored two quality starts (and victories) since being called up. Irvin pitches Wednesday night against the Cubs and Cole Hamels.

Also of note, outfielder Roman Quinn, on the IL with a strained groin, has progressed to the point where he's probably just a week away from playing in minor-league games.

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