Michael King was all smiles as he walked off the Petco Park mound on Sunday morning. He’d thrown 44 pitches over three simulated innings. He struck out six and an infield comprised of bench coach Brian Esposito, coaching assistant Scott Stroud, coach Nick Punto and special assistant Allen Craig deftly recorded an “out” on every play in the infield.

“I didn’t see any hits,” King said with a laugh.

More importantly, no hiccups.

The left knee that sent King back to the injured list after just one start held up just fine and his stuff was more in line with what he expects.

“Velo’s good, shapes were good,” King said. “ … It’s been an easier rehab than the nerve that I had and obviously way more straightforward. If I can throw that velo and that command, I’ll be good.”

Indeed, King spent mu

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