Craig Kimbrel shows velocity increase in Mets spring debut as he hopes to make roster

PORT ST. LUCIE — Craig Kimbrel’s first Grapefruit League outing of the spring offered the Mets a glimpse of what the 37-year-old still has left in the tank. Pitching one inning in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Washington at Clover Park, Kimbrel surrendered a run and issued two walks, yet the line score was secondary to the radar-gun reading that caught the attention of manager Carlos Mendoza: a noticeable uptick in fastball velocity.

The right-hander, who turns 38 in May and sits behind only four pitchers on the all-time saves list, is attempting to reboot a career that saw him released twice last season and finish without a single save for the first time since his rookie year. Kimbrel said after the appearance that the free passes bothered him, but he was encouraged by how his body responded and by the renewed life on his fastball. He is also experimenting with a cutter, an addition he hopes will “get guys off my fastball and open up some offspeed opportunities.”

Mendoza echoed the optimism, praising Kimbrel’s stuff and noting the velocity spike as a positive early indicator. With Edwin Díaz now in Los Angeles and Devin Williams installed as the new closer following a difficult season in the Bronx, the back end of the Mets’ bullpen remains in flux. A roster spot is available if Kimbrel can demonstrate he can still retire big-league hitters and provide veteran stability to a retooled relief corps.

Elsewhere in camp, center fielder Luis Robert Jr., acquired from the White Sox for a package headlined by Luisangel Acuña, is slated to make his spring debut Wednesday on the minor-league side as the club continues a cautious approach after two seasons of lower-body injuries. Shortstop Francisco Lindor has advanced to long toss and one-handed swings but has yet to begin impact drills after having stitches removed from his surgically repaired left hand. Utility infielder Grae Kessinger was on crutches Saturday and scheduled for an MRI after hurting his left knee in Friday’s game against the Cardinals.

For Kimbrel, the focus remains simple: prove the velocity is real, refine the new pitch, and show the Mets he is worth a jersey when the club heads north.