DETROIT -- Manager Jim Leyland said Joaquin Benoit will be the closer tonight for the Detroit Tigers.

He implied that Benoit will be the closer for the foreseeable future.

"I’m going to close with Benoit when healthy and available," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "So that means Benoit will be the closer if he’s able to pitch, hasn’t pitched too much, hasn’t been overused and we have a chance to win a game. I can’t make it much more simple than that.

"If you’re looking for me to name a closer, I’m not naming a full-time closer, because I’m not sure who would be available or who would need a day off if they pitched two days or three days."

Jose Valverde has had a rough go of it in recent weeks and could be nearing his end with the Tigers. He got roughed up for four runs on five hits in one inning of work in a mop-up role Wednesday in a 13-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.

Valverde is 9-for-12 in converting save opportunities this season but has allowed six home runs in his past eight outings. His ERA has climbed from 0.75 to 5.59 during that stretch of time.

Benoit recorded the final four outs Sunday and earned the save in a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Twins. He has converted all four save opportunities he has had this season.

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