.@mconforto8 signing for some #Mets fans in Vegas. pic.twitter.com/57G8Qipw29
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 1, 2016
The New York Mets completed the final step in preparing for Sunday’s Opening Night game against the Kansas City Royals.
By Jeremy Fialkow
The New York Mets – and just about everyone else out there – are finally ready for the regular season to begin.
Friday, New York made their final spring cuts to trim the team to the mandated 25-man roster.
Surprises included the subtraction of shortstop Matt Reynolds and reliever Sean Gilmartin, and the addition of reliever Jim Henderson and catcher Kevin Plawecki.
Henderson is the real story here. He came into camp as a non-roster invite after losing his best stuff thanks in part to the second shoulder surgery of his career, per Newsday’s Marc Carig.
Henderson is now able to toss three quality pitches for strikes, and, finally having his health restored has allowed the 6-5, 220 pound relief pitcher to regain maximum velocity on his fastball. The pitch can sit in the mid-90s at times.
In 2013 with the Milwaukee Brewers Henderson completed 28 saves and finished with a 2.70 ERA.
Matt Reynolds, the 25-year-old prospect who played shortstop in Asdrubal Cabrera‘s absence this spring, looked very impressive manning the infield.
He also impressed at the plate towards the end of Grapefruit League play. Still, it appears as a good omen for the Mets, since is assures the health of Cabrera, and the trust Manager Terry Collins has in newly-made utility man Wilmer Flores.
So, now Reynolds is heading back down to Triple-A Vegas. Unfortunately there’s not much of a spot for him with the 51s because Gavin Cecchini should be the everyday shortstop.
Plawecki making the team is less of a surprise due to his talent, but a surprise nonetheless because of rumors swirling concerning GM Sandy Alderson looking for a backup catcher so as to not impede on Plawecki’s growth in the minors.
Guys and gals, baseball season is back!
#Mets final 25-man roster additions
IN: Verrett, Plawecki, Henderson
OUT: Gilmartin, Goeddel, Reynolds, Monell, Thornton
— Andrew Harts (@AndrewHarts) April 1, 2016
Former Milwaukee Brewers closer Jim Henderson reacts to making the Mets' Opening Day… https://t.co/CL3VUGVlgm pic.twitter.com/XhZopv9Ai1
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinMedia) April 1, 2016
On Jim Henderson, who arrived to camp with no expectations. Now, he's a Met. https://t.co/rGOMlwcr5q
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) April 1, 2016
Jim Henderson:
4th Henderson in Mets history, along with Ken, Steve and Rickey
— Mark Simon (@MarkASimonSays) April 1, 2016
