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Phillies assign Jerad Eickhoff to Lehigh Valley, Velasquez on a short leash

Phillies starting pitcher Jerad Eickhoff has been sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to begin the 2019 season.

Eickhoff missed all but five-and-a-third innings worth of big league ball in 2018 after dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome. The numbness in his fingers has derailed him for over a year, but after offseason surgery, Eickhoff appears to be headed on the right track.

With Eickhoff not making the 25-man roster, it appears the starting rotation is set for the first handful of regular games, but that doesn’t mean Eickhoff won’t be heard from soon.

Aaron Nola is scheduled to pitch opening day and with several off-days early in the season, Nola could get a couple of extra starts in on regular rest if the Phillies skip a starter.