PLAYING TIME: Benoit named closer in Detroit

Team-by-team playing time allocation charts can be found in our Teamview pages.

American League | National League
 
Tigers | Joaquín Benoit to close
Updating a previous report, Detroit Tigers RP Joaquín Benoit will serve as the team's closer when he's 'healthy and available.'  Source: USA Today - Bob Nightengale
 
BHQ take: This switch has long seemed plausible, as Benoit has shown closer-worthy skills while Valverde has struggled recently. While Benoit previously established himself as a closer, he has a fourth straight 100+ BPV season in progress. Valverde's 5.59 ERA is largely a result of his inability to limit HR, as his 24% HR/F and 2.8 HR/9 attest.   —Tom Kephart
 

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

Ha-Seong Kim's bet on himself pays off and he takes over SS for the Braves. Plus new homes for Adolis García, Adrian Houser, Josh Bell and more.
Dec 17 2025 8:44am
Kenley Jansen signs with the Tigers, as more closer dominoes fall in the free agent market. Plus updates on Texas catchers, Polanco and May free agent deals, and more.
Dec 15 2025 8:25am
Prized FA Pete Alonso signs, and both Baltimore and New York re-shuffle playing time expectations at first base. Plus relievers Mark Leiter Jr. and Robert Suarez find new bullpen homes.
Dec 12 2025 9:06am
Edwin Díaz joins the Dodgers, shores up saves expectations for both LA and NYM. Plus Schwarber re-signs, the WSH/SEA trade breakdown, and more from the Winter Meetings.
Dec 10 2025 9:04am
Catchup column on player and playing-time movement before next week's Winter Meetings. Cease becomes a Blue Jay, S. Gray, Semien, Nimmo, Ward on the move, and more.
Dec 6 2025 9:03am

Tools