Velazquez was optioned to Triple-A Iowa by the Cubs on Thursday, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Velazquez drew 206 plate appearances on the North Side of Chicago last season, but he batted just .205/.286/.373 and is now on the outside looking in for a regular role after the club increased payroll with several significant signings over the winter.

Velazquez may be the odd man out with the Cubs adding several new players in the offseason, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic report.

EDGE Analysis

In the outfield specifically, Cody Bellinger is new, and he figures to start alongside Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ. Dansby Swanson, Eric Hosmer and Tray Mancini are also new, so there's more competition for the DH role as well. That could push Velazquez off the roster entirely, though he could resurface at some point if that's the case. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut in 2022 and ultimately appeared in 77 games for the Cubs.

Velazquez went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple and four RBI in Sunday's 8-1 win over the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie outfielder got the start Sunday and capitalized with four RBI, his highest total since recording five on July 22. Two of the RBI came via a double in the first inning, and two came via a triple in the seventh. Velazquez has received sporadic playing time recently due to his uninspiring .203/.282/.374 slash line this season, but the big day Sunday may help his case to stay in the lineup the last week of the season.

Velazquez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

It's the third straight game on the bench for Velazquez, who appears to have fallen out of favor for playing time with a .449 OPS through 15 games in September. Michael Hermosillo is again starting in center field and batting eighth in Sunday's series finale.

Velazquez isn't in the lineup Saturday against Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Velazquez has gone just 1-for-14 with a stolen base and eight strikeouts over his last five games and will be on the bench for the third time in the last four matchups. Patrick Wisdom will start in right field and bat third.

Velazquez will sit Friday versus the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Velazquez will take a seat Friday after he went 0-for-3 with two punchouts in Thursday's win. Michael Hermosillo is starting in center field and will bat ninth against Pittsburgh.

Velazquez isn't in the lineup Wednesday against Miami.

EDGE Analysis

Velazquez is getting a breather after he went 0-for-10 with six strikeouts over the last six games. Christopher Morel will take his place in center field and bat ninth.

Velazquez went 2-for-4 with one RBI in Wednesday's win over the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Velazquez tallied an RBI single with two outs in the first inning to extend the Cubs' lead to six. The outfielder has been dreadful in his last 18 games, slashing .122/.217/.146 over 46 plate appearances. The 23-year-old rookie has been significantly more productive on the road, recording an .814 OPS over 94 plate appearances compared to a .474 OPS over 74 plate appearances at Wrigley Field.

Velazquez (illness) is starting Wednesday against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Velazquez was out of the lineup for the last four games after being scratched with an illness Friday. However, he'll start in left field and bat eighth during Wednesday's series finale against the Mets.

Velazquez (illness) isn't starting Monday against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Velazquez is out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive game after he was scratched Friday due to an illness, but he appeared off the bench Sunday and went 0-for-1. It wouldn't be surprising to see him available in a depth capacity once again Monday, but Rafael Ortega will remain in center field and bat sixth.