Bobby Parnell took a step forward in his road back from Tommy John surgery last night when he pitched the seventh inning for the Binghamton Mets.
Parnell was as sharp as he's been since beginning rehab, pitching a scoreless inning for the Mets' Double-A affiliate. He allowed a double to begin the inning but was saved by Gavin Cecchini, who threw out a runner at the plate. Parnell added a strikeout and an infield grounder to get him out of the frame.
Perhaps the most important news from last night's start was Parnell's velocity. The stadium gun clocked Parnell's fastball at 94 mph. Assuming the radar gun was reporting accurately, this is a very good sign for Parnell, who has been pitching to growing concerns of decreased velocity.
It's unclear what Parnell's role will be in the Mets bullpen when he is ready to eventually return. Jeurys Familia has been fantastic in the closer's role, so Parnell should start making other plans if he expected to reclaim ninth-inning duties.