According to the Toronto Star, the Blue Jays have signed reliever Armando Benitez to a minor league deal. He’s apparently not in the closer picture (which makes sense, with B.J. Ryan and Jeremy Accardo good to go).
Benitez, 35, struck out 57 in 50.1 innings last year with the Giants and Marlins. The problem was too many hits, home runs, and walks. That resulted in an ERA of 5.36. Benitez’s control has always been poor; he’s succeeded by being tough to hit. The strong Toronto defense could help in that regard.
By the way, Benitez’s agent called the White Sox before he signed, but they weren’t able to discuss the possibility.
