53 Joaquin Benoit, RP

With manager Jim Leyland's decision to go back to mixing and matching in the ninth inning after relying on Jose Valverde as his primary closer for the last two months, the biggest beneficiary is Joaquin Benoit, who was closing for the Tigers before Valverde returned to the big leagues in mid-April and recorded a four-out save (with Valverde warming up) Sunday.

Benoit's 1.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings this year are nothing new. He has long had the stuff to close but hasn't gotten the opportunity because of his inability to pitch three days in a row. My guess is he and Valverde split save opportunities almost 50-50 for now, with Phil Coke jumping in as matchups dictate, but I expect one to emerge as the clear frontrunner by the All-Star break.

Maybe Valverde is still the more likely of the two to earn a solo role given his experience and Leyland's hesitance to make Benoit a closer up to this point, but Benoit's potential in the role makes him well worth stashing just in case he takes this opportunity and runs with it.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said he'll mix-and-match his ninth-inning reliever, according to the Detroit Free Press. 

Drew Smyly saved Monday's game, but he shouldn't be viewed as the full-time closer. Leyland admitted he would use Jose Valverde, Phil Coke and Joaquin Benoit in the role depending on the game situation. He reiterated that Rick Porcello would not be used in the role. 

The Tigers' bullpen is responsible for nine blown saves this season. 

Tigers reliever Joaquin Benoit got the final four outs Sunday at Minnesota for his fourth save of the season. Benoit allowed an inherited runner to score to add to Doug Fister's stat line, but was otherwise solid in his performance. 

Benoit needed 17 pitches to allow one hit and strike out one batter over 1 1/3 scoreless for the save, his first since June 9 against Cleveland and second since April 29. 

Benoit has pitched well this season with a 1.80 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 30 innings with 35 strikeouts. 

With Tigers closer Jose Valverde unavailable due to pitching on three consecutive days, Detroit turned to reliever Joaquin Benoit to close out the 4-1 game against the Indians Sunday. 

Benoit gave up a hit in the ninth, but also struck out two batters over 19 pitches for his third save of the year. His ERA is at 2.00. It was his first save since April 29 against Minnesota.