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.
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.