MIAMI -- All-Star reliever Armando Benitez was not available on Tuesday because of inflammation in his right elbow and is listed as day-to-day.

The Marlins tripped up the Phillies, 5-2, on Tuesday with Josias Manzanillo closing out the ninth for his first save since Sept. 23, 2001, while he was with the Pirates.

 

Benitez, who has recorded 33 saves in 36 chances, has not pitched since logging a 1 2/3 inning save at Philadelphia on July 22. The right-hander's elbow tightened the next day, and he hasn't pitched since.

 

As a precaution, on Tuesday Benitez had an MRI exam that revealed no major damage.

 

"Everything is fine," said manager Jack McKeon. "We did that [MRI] to be cautious."

 

A workhorse, Benitez has logged 50 1/3 innings in 44 games.

 

According to McKeon, it is doubtful that Benitez will pitch on Wednesday in the third game of the four-game series with the Phillies at Pro Player Stadium.

 

Asked when Benitez will throw again, McKeon said, "He's going to determine that. He's day-to-day."

 

The hard-throwing Benitez has been one of the most dominant closers in the league, posting a 2-1 record and 1.25 ERA. He's given up seven earned runs, and he's struck out 45 while walking 18. Opponents are batting just .162 off him.

 

In his last outing, on July 22, Benitez closed out the Phillies in heroic fashion, inheriting a bases-loaded situation in a 10-8 game with one out in the eighth. He inherited a 3-1 count on Jason Michaels, left by Billy Koch.

 

Benitez ended up striking out Michaels and got Mike Lieberthal to fly out to end the inning. He also pitched a scoreless ninth.

 

But after that game, the Marlins went to Montreal and were swept in three games. Florida didn't have a save situation in Montreal, and on Monday, Nate Bump worked three innings for his first career save in an 11-3 win over the Phillies.

 

In his first season with the Marlins, Benitez has been one of the team's most dependable players. He has frequently called the dugout, requesting one-plus-inning situations.

 

Until he is ready, the Marlins will likely rely on matchup situations to determine who will close games.

 

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...s_fla&fext=.jsp

As a precaution, on Tuesday Benitez had an MRI exam that revealed no major damage. 479796[/snapback]

Am I the only one worried by this word choice? Am I the only one seeing this as something that might be a big problem later on?

As a precaution, on Tuesday Benitez had an MRI exam that revealed no major damage. 479796[/snapback]

Am I the only one worried by this word choice? Am I the only one seeing this as something that might be a big problem later on?

479802[/snapback]

 

 

I see what your getting at, but I'm guessing that if it was inflammed it probbly had some minor damage that doesnt take too long to heal. By major I think he meant torn ligaments or other problems that Chad Fox has had at some point in hsi career

We all knew it would happen. Jack was totally killing him earlier in the season. Everyone said he'd be fine but obviously not. A guy is NOT a "workhorse" if he get's injured.

We all knew it would happen. Jack was totally killing him earlier in the season. Everyone said he'd be fine but obviously not. A guy is NOT a "workhorse" if he get's injured.