Velasquez (0-1) allowed four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out 10 across four innings to take the loss Friday against the Nationals.
Although Velasquez was piling up the strikeouts, he simply couldn't keep the Nationals off the basepaths, leading to an early exit. His outing was reminiscent of 2016, when he struck out over a batter per inning, but ended the season with a 1.33 WHIP. His excellent strikeout potential loses some of its appeal when he hurts fantasy owners in the other major categories, making him a risky lineup option. He'll make his next start Wednesday against the Mets.