Henriquez reached new heights on the mound, tying a Dodgers franchise record for the pitch-tracking era by unleashing a 103.3 mph fastball against the Padres on Saturday. He worked 1.1 scoreless innings in the win, allowing one hit and one walk while punching out two batters.
The flamethrown profile for Henriquez has long been part of his identity, and the velocity spike against San Diego underscores why he’s drawn attention this season. On the year, he’s averaging 101.3 mph with his fastball in the majors, a pace that has produced four punchouts over six innings. More importantly, he’s yet to surrender a run in that span, giving up three hits and one walk.
However, the numbers also highlight the gaps that still need filling. Dodgers officials will likely want a larger body of work before considering Henriquez for a high-leverage role, especially given his longer track record in the minors. In Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, he’s posted a 6.85 ERA and a 1.90 WHIP across 23.2 innings, pointing to uneven command and limited stretch when hitters square him up.
What this shows is a powerful arm with clear upside, but one that must translate volume and control into consistent major-league results. If Henriquez can refine his command and sustain his elite velocity, he could become a valuable late-inning option for Los Angeles, adding another dynamic tool to a bullpen that values high-end strike‑throwing relievers.
Summary of key takeaways:
– Fastball peaked at 103.3 mph in a recent outing.
– Season average velocity around 101.3 mph; four strikeouts in six major-league innings.
– No runs allowed in that small MLB sample, but minor-league numbers (6.85 ERA, 1.90 WHIP in 23.2 innings) suggest room for growth and consistency.
– Long-term potential hinges on command development and sustained performance in higher-leverage situations.
Additional note: If he can harness both velocity and location, Henriquez could emerge as a high-ceiling option for the Dodgers earlier than expected.