In December 2007, Velandia signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.[4] He was released by the Pirates on March 29, 2008, and signed with the Toronto Blue Jays two days later.[1] Velandia started the 2008 season playing for the Syracuse Chiefs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Blue Jays. On May 7, his contract was purchased by the Blue Jays, and was added to the active roster.[5] On May 16, he was designated for assignment and declined an outright assignment on May 19, becoming a free agent.[6] Velandia signed with the Cleveland Indians on May 26, 2008, and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons.[7]
He was called up on June 12, to replace the injured Josh Barfield (who had been recently called up himself, for Asdrúbal Cabrera).[8] Cabrera returned a month later, and Velandia was sent back to Buffalo.[9] He was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on August 31.[1] On January 22, 2009, Velandia signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.[1]
After working for the Philadelphia Phillies as assistant minor league field coordinator, he was announced as an assistant coach for the Phillies upon former manager Ryne Sandberg's resignation on June 26, 2015.[10]
Front office career
On December 22, 2020, the Phillies named Velandia as the team's assistant general manager under Sam Fuld.[11]
On December 19, 2022, the Phillies extended Velandia's contract through the 2025 season.[12]