Tasked with pitching the seventh inning on Tuesday against the Royals, reliever Jim Henderson performed very effectively in helping Mets hurlers post a combined 2-0 shutout over the defending champs. He faced the minimum, threw 13 pitches with 11 going for strikes. He allowed no hits, walked none, and fanned Alex Gordon and Omar Infante.
Henderson’s fastball clocking in at 96-mph, however, may have been the highlight of his appearance.
Said another way, what a brilliant way to resume a career.
Back in 2013, Henderson earned the Milwaukee Brewers’ closing role utilizing a 98-mph fastball and hard slider.