Phillies pitcher Joaquin Benoit easing into spring training
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Joaquin Benoit, the veteran pitcher the Phillies signed this offseason to help solidify their bullpen, has pitched in just one of the team's first 15 Grapefruit League games. He is the only healthy pitcher without multiple appearances.
But business is about to pick up.
"Spring training is almost two months of baseball before the season starts," Benoit said. "It's a lot of throwing. When you throw every day, I don't think it's necessary so much. For us as pitchers, we need to be on point for when the season starts. But two months of baseball? That's a little too much. But you're going to see a little bit of me now."
Benoit will begin to ease himself into action over the final three weeks of camp. He plans to pitch about six times - the same amount he pitched last spring with Seattle - with the final few outings coming on consecutive days to prime his arm for the season. He has kept active by throwing bullpen sessions and batting practice on the back fields.
The righthander will turn 40 in July. He will be just the seventh 40-year-old Phillies pitcher since 1989. Benoit is entering his 16th season. By now, Benoit said, he knows how to get ready.
"I think I've been in this rodeo a couple of times," Benoit said.
Benoit spent the second half of last season with Toronto, allowing just one run in 23 2/3 innings. He struck out 24 and walked nine, using a fastball that zipped at an average speed of 95 mph after he celebrated his 39th birthday.
The Phillies will rely on Benoit, who has the mental aptitude for high-leverage situations, for key late-inning outs. Jeanmar Gomez will begin the season as the closer. If he stumbles, Benoit might be in the mix.
"At this time in my career, I need to be more cautious about the things that I wish for," Benoit said. "There's a lot of guys with good arms that are doing their jobs. I'm not coming here to take anyone's job. I'm here to supply support and help as much as I can. As long as we do the job, I'll be fine."
