May 20
RH reliever Joaquin Benoit, standing in for injured RH closer Jose Valverde, picked up his first save of the season Sunday. It wasn't clean, though, as he allowed a one-out double and a sacrifice fly that made the final score 4-3. He ended the game with a strikeout on a 2-2 changeup to LF Nate McLouth.
May 17
Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Benoit will be his first option to close out games in Jose Valverde's (back) absence, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Recommendation: Valverde is day-to-day with a strained lower back and hopes to avoid the DL. Benoit will serve as Detroit's interim closer, but Phil Coke could always be used in the role if left-handed hitters are due up in the ninth. Benoit is worth a look while Valverde is sidelined, but the value to be had here will be short term.
