Speak softly and carry a big stick.
That was the approach taken by Los Angeles Angels infielder Andrew Velazquez in Thursday’s 5-2 win over the Boston Red Sox.
Velazquez, known more for his glove than his bat, hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning to help the Angels snap a season-high 14-game losing streak.
It was Velazquez’s third home run of the season and it came on the heels of interim manager Phil Nevin sending a message to the 27-year-old, who’s hitting .179 this season.
Nevin benched Velazquez Wednesday for the infielder’s own good, giving him a much-needed night off. Velazquez has already played in a career-high 50 games this season.
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Nevin, who was Velazquez’s third base coach last year with the New York Yankees, remains a believer, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“He plays a heck of a shortstop,” Nevin said. “Where I see him, and having had him over the last couple years, is he’s not used to playing every day, you know, and it’s different. Even in the minor leagues, you get your rest more often than not, and he’s gonna need his days [off]. That’s just the way the human body works. So he’s going to get them every once, probably a day or two more than you’ve seen.”
Velazquez played in 28 games last season for New York, hitting .224 while flashing rock-steady defense, making the Bronx native one of the feel-good stories of 2021.
But in November, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, in need of space on the 40-man roster, designated Velazquez for assignment.
MORE MLB:
- WFAN lines up pinch-hitters for John Sterling on Yankees radio broadcasts earlier than expected
- Son of former home run champ is rooting for Yankees’ Aaron Judge
- Mets won’t face former ace in weekend series vs. Angels
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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.
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