Joaquin Benoit worked a scoreless inning Thursday to lower his spring ERA to 1.64.

Benoit has allowed two runs and posted a 12/3 K/BB ratio in 11 innings. It's still likely that the Tigers would prefer someone else step up in the closer's role, but Benoit is their most proven reliever and he's been as effective as anyone in the pen this spring. He's worth picking up in any leagues in which he's available.

Joaquin Benoit pitched another scoreless inning Sunday to lower his spring ERA to 2.00.

The Tigers ruled Benoit out as a closing candidate months ago, questioning his ability to bounce back after outings. Of course, he did struggle coming down the stretch last year, but he still pitched 71 innings and had a 3.68 ERA. And, as these things usually work, he'd almost certainly have a lesser workload as a closer than he would as a seventh- and eighth-inning guy. Anyway, manager Jim Leyland doesn't want him to close, but that doesn't mean he can't end up in the role should he perform well and the alternatives fail. He's not to be forgotten about.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland indicated Saturday that Joaquin Benoit isn't a candidate to close because he doesn't fare well pitching on back-to-back days.

"Joaquin Benoit physically, I don't think he can do it," Leyland said. "With all due respect to Benoit, he doesn't bounce back." Benoit fared well in 2011 when pitching with no rest, but he did struggle last season, posting a 4.50 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. Leyland admitted that he doesn't "really know what I'm going to do" at closer, but it's no secret that the Tigers hope Bruce Rondon runs away with the job. "We do have some others who can do the job if he needs a break, but to me, the leading candidate is Rondon," general manager Dave Dombrowski said.

Picked over Jose Valverde to close Thursday, Joaquin Benoit gave up a game-tying homer to Billy Butler in the ninth, but ended up with the win after the Tigers scored in the bottom of the inning.

Valverde was supposed to be available, so it seems manager Jim Leyland simply felt more confident in Benoit in a one-run game. With the way both have thrown of late, it's hard to blame him. However, since Benoit took the blown save, one guesses it might be his only ninth-inning duty during the final week.

Joaquin Benoit returned to action on Thursday August 9.

Joaquin Benoit was unavailable Tuesday night due to soreness around his right shoulder.

"He's been a little sore, but he's ok," said Tigers manager Jim Leyland. "No red flags." Leyland thinks he could have pitched Tuesday if needed, but they wanted to play things safe. Look for him to be available in a set-up situation Wednesday.

Joaquin Benoit came out of Saturday's game against the Yankees with tightness in his forearm.

Benoit was expected to pitch the eighth, but he was forced to leave after the seventh. He's expected to be examined on Sunday.

Joaquin Benoit is expected to get the save chances while Jose Valverde recovers from back discomfort.

Octavio Dotel could also get a look. Benoit, 34, has registered a 2.87 ERA and 25/11 K/BB ratio in 15 2/3 innings this season for Detroit. He already has 10 holds.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said he will use Joaquin Benoit in a potential save chance Wednesday.

He's trying to get the struggling Jose Valverde some rest, as the closer has pitched four of the last five days. Benoit holds a 3.38 ERA and 1.73 WHIP but has struck out 21 over 13 1/3 innings.

Joaquin Benoit (neck) resumed throwing Monday.

Benoit sat out of a workout Sunday due to neck stiffness, but he told reporters it's not a serious issue. He is planning to throw a normal bullpen session Tuesday.