Craig Kimbrel shows velocity increase in Mets spring debut as he hopes to make roster
NY Post
PORT ST. LUCIE — In a bullpen that’s been overhauled since last year, with former closer Edwin Díaz now a Dodger, replaced by Devin Williams following a rough season in The Bronx, among the most intriguing members is Craig Kimbrel.
Only four pitchers have recorded more career saves than the right-hander who turns 38 in May and is still looking to contribute.
Kimbrel is coming off a season in which he did not record any saves and was released twice before he finished the year with Houston.
He made his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday and had mixed results in his one inning, as Kimbrel gave up a run and walked a pair of batters in a 3-2 loss to Washington at Clover Park.
At this point of Kimbrel’s career, though, he’s not overly concerned about the numbers — although he was bothered by the two free passes.
Earlier in the week, Kimbrel said his body felt good and he was working his way back into form, and following Saturday’s appearance, Carlos Mendoza was encouraged by some of the veteran’s stuff.
Coming home is always special for Julian Champagnie because of the reminder it provides.
MILWAUKEE — Miles McBride is in the “slow process” of returning from his sports hernia surgery, a recovery that started three weeks ago and is continuing with no date set for a return.
Ty Simpson said he is a “franchise quarterback.”