Jim Henderson looks forward to return to mound with Brewers

PHOENIX (AP) Milwaukee Brewers reliever Jim Henderson is getting an early chance to prove that he is on his way to returning from a right shoulder injury.

The former closer is one of five pitchers scheduled to throw Wednesday in the Brewers' first spring training game, against the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Mike Fiers will start, with minor leaguers Taylor Jungmann, Corey Knebel, David Goforth and Brooks Hall also slated to face the Panthers.

For Henderson to be in that group is an important step considering how the last 12 months unfolded.

Henderson was a feel-good story in 2013, finally emerging after a decade-long minor league odyssey to earn a job as Milwaukee's closer. He saved 28 games that season while posting a 2.70 ERA.

But Henderson never felt quite right in camp last season. Ultimately, he lost the closer job on opening day to Francisco Rodriguez.