Jays clubhouse feels like home, Benoit says

“This team has a lot of guys who I’ve played with and played against,” said Benoit. “When I came here and walked in the clubhouse, I felt like that it was home. It always helps you to get comfortable in a new role when you have familiar faces around you.”

Manager John Gibbons didn’t waste any time putting Benoit to work. He tossed a scoreless ninth inning against the Padres, pitching around a pair of walks while striking out two.

“We think he’s going to be valuable,” said Gibbons. “We’ ll use him to get to (Jason) Grilli and (Roberto) Osuna and see how he pitches. He’s a good veteran who’s been around.”

Benoit has not been as effective to this point in this season, after many successful years as a late-game performer. His walks have been up and so has his ERA (5.18).

“Hopefully, I can help the team get to the playoffs,” he said. “Early in the season I was having inflammation in my shoulder, so that was the cause of my control problems. Now I feel way better. I feel I can contribute more to the team.

“I guess the move was right on time. It’s always exciting when you know that you are close to the playoffs. It’s two months to the end of the season. I believe we can do big things.

“Right now I have to go out and prove that everything is fine and that I’m able to do my job”

Gibbons was intent upon getting Benoit into the mix as soon as possible.

“I think it’s always important when you get a new player to get him in there, the sooner the better,” said the manager. “He’s been around a while. They’re in a new place and they want to fit in. They want that first one out of the way.”