Phillies pitcher recounts his stunning play

Philadelphia – Now that Phillies righthander Vince Velasquez knows for sure that he avoided serious injury — but not the disabled list — he can fully appreciate his athletic feat Saturday night.

In case you missed it, Velasquez got hit on the right forearm by a line drive in the second inning of a game against the Nationals. But he had the presence of mind to collect the ball and throw a strike — with his left hand — to first base to retire speedy Adam Eaton for the third out and save a run from scoring from third base.

"That was awesome. I've been watching [the replay] like 20 times," Velasquez said Sunday. "It's just crazy. It's mind-blowing."

X-rays taken Saturday night were negative, but Velasquez is predictably sore, so the Phillies elected to place him on the 10-day disabled list.

Velasquez's development is a big reason the Phillies entered Sunday only three games behind the Braves in the NL East.

"I told Kap [manager Gabe Kapler], I was like, 'I literally had intentions of throwing with my left hand. I didn't know where the ball was going, but I just wanted to get the out,' " Velasquez said. "It was just a big adrenaline-type thing."

Philadelphia Inquirer