Velasquez expected to return to return Monday

SAN FRANCISCO - All along, Vince Velasquez predicted he would need just one minor-league rehab start, and there he was Friday with his Phillies teammates to throw a bullpen session at AT&T Park.

"I knew what I had to do in Reading," Velasquez said, "and I did it."

So Velasquez, on the disabled list since June 9 with a strained right biceps, should start Monday in Arizona. The question, then, is how many more starts Velasquez will make in 2016.

The Phillies will limit the innings of Velasquez, who threw just 88 1/3 innings in 2015. Velasquez said he has discussed the matter with his agent, Scott Boras, and believes he will throw "maybe 150" innings this season. "Maybe 160 tops," he said. There is no definite number yet.

Velasquez said he had not talked to team officials about the limit, but he was under the impression that Boras had made contact. Boras has been involved in prominent innings decisions with other clients such as Stephen Strasburg, Matt Harvey, and Jose Fernandez.

"He was really on my butt about this injury thing," Velasquez said of Boras. "I mean, any injury you've got to take it very seriously. He was really strict on it."

The Phillies, of course, were also serious about their 24-year-old righthander. They viewed the time on the disabled list as a chance to physically and mentally recharge a young pitcher. They knew Velasquez would be limited at some point; they are just as interested in protecting their young pitcher as the agent is.

Team president Andy MacPhail said he was unaware of any conversations between front-office officials and Boras, but said, "Philosophically, we're probably in the same ballpark."

Velasquez threw 61 2/3 innings in his first 12 starts. He could reach around 25 starts with a 150-inning limit. His career high in starts is 19, done in 2013 while in single A.

Andrew Bailey, placed on the disabled list Friday with a strained left hamstring, did not agree with the decision. Bailey thought he could be ready in a few days, but the Phillies needed another arm. "It's not a move personally I like, but it's best for the team, I guess," Bailey said. "That's most important." ... Lefthander Daniel Stumpf, who was suspended 80 games in April for steroid use, began a rehab assignment with high-A Clearwater. He is permitted to pitch in the minors before his suspension ends July 10. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said he anticipates the Phillies will keep Stumpf, a Rule 5 pick. ... Madison Bumgarner, owner of a 1.85 ERA in 15 starts, will pitch Saturday against the Phillies.