Nelson Velázquez DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Kansas City Royals outfielder Nelson Velazquez (calf) is back in the Cactus League lineup on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels, playing right field and batting cleanup. Velazquez left the team's spring game early on Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners with a leg cramp, but he was feeling better on Thursday and is back in action to begin the weekend. The 26-year-old is looking to pick things up at the plate to close out spring training as he tries to win a backup outfield spot out of camp. Coming into Friday's game, he's gone just 2-for-16 in eight Cactus League contests. The Puerto Rican outfielder began last year as the team's designated hitter but didn't last long and was eventually sent to Triple-A Omaha. He hit just .200/.274/.366 with eight home runs, 27 RBI and 61 strikeouts in 64 games played in the big leagues. With not much of a glove and too many strikeouts, he could begin in the minors in 2025.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Nelson Velazquez (undisclosed) was removed early during Wednesday's spring training contest. The outfielder was removed from the contest after going to a ball near the right field wall. Fantasy managers should monitor his status as the team may opt to keep him sidelined for a few days regardless of the extent of the injury. The 26-year-old is currently competing for a depth spot on the major league roster. Last season, Velazquez appeared in 64 games for the Royals. Across this stint, he went deep eight times and held a .200/.274/.366 slash line. He generated a modest 8.8 percent barrel rate and a 38.1 percent hard-hit rate. However, he held a hefty 26.5 percent strikeout rate. If he were to miss time, this could open the door for Joey Wiemer to have a spot on the Opening Day roster as a depth outfielder.

According to the team, the Kansas City Royals and outfielder Nelson Velazquez have agreed to a contract for the 2025 season. The 26-year-old spent 64 games in the majors last season and will likely compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training. Across this stint, the 26-year-old held a .200/.274/.366 line with eight home runs and 27 RBI. He struck out at a hefty 26.5% rate. Across three seasons in the majors, the former fifth-round selection hols a .212/.286/.433 line. In 56 games with Triple-A Omaha, Velazquez held .239/.356/.415 slash line with 10 doubles, seven home runs, and 33 RBI. Fantasy managers should expect Velazquez to compete for a starting role during spring training and could be a candidate to see time in right field.