Velasquez (biceps) hit 97 mph on the radar gun during his rehab start for Double-A Reading on Wednesday, Corey Seidman of CSN Philadelphia reports.
Velasquez tossed five innings Wednesday, allowing one run on two hits with three strikeouts and a walk. He threw 51 of his 76 pitches for strikes. The velocity is the key data point from this outing. Velasquez was only hitting 87 mph in his last start on June 8 against the Cubs. The Phillies want him to make another rehab start, but Velasquez said he will lobby to make his next appearance in the majors.