Newcomer Benoit will inherit role Watson left

Joaquin Benoit, the Pirates’ newly acquired reliever, will assume Tony Watson’s seventh-inning role in the bullpen, manager Clint Hurdle said.

Benoit joined the Pirates from the Philadelphia Phillies before the non-waiver trade deadline Monday in exchange for a Class A-ball reliever. He primarily pitched the eighth inning in Philadelphia this season.

“It was great to be there,” he said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t do as good as we expected, but can’t complain. I know how tough the fans are over there, but they were great.”

When Benoit takes the mound for the Pirates, he will be pitching for his eighth major league team in a 16-year career that began with the Texas Rangers in 2001.

“I’ve been watching him pitch for 10 years,” Hurdle said. “Fastball at the top of the zone more often than not, fantastic changeup, occasional slider, controls the running game.”

Hurdle said Benoit will pitch clean innings, as he has for some time now, rather than entering in the middle of an inning. The right-hander has 43 strikeouts in 42 innings and a 4.07 ERA, and has a 2.55 ERA through 469 innings in 483 games since Tommy John ligament replacement surgery that cost him the 2009 season. Benoit referred to “saving himself a little bit” when discussing his continued effectiveness.

“I just turned 40. … It’s a lot of soreness going on all over the body,” Benoit said. “You’re trying to pace yourself in some things.”

Polanco nearing return

Gregory Polanco could return from the disabled list as early as Wednesday. He went through a full workout Tuesday.

“We actually ran earlier [Tuesday], ran the bases and then he’ll do some outfield drills, do a little more baserunning and hitting in the cage at high velocity,” Hurdle said.

Polanco went on the 10day disabled list July 22 because of a left hamstring strain.

“I think they’ll activate me [Wednesday],” Polanco said. “That’s what I think. I don’t want to say yes; they have the [last] word.”

Harrison feeling better

Josh Harrison did not start the game Tuesday night but is confident his left lower leg injury will not require a trip to the disabled list.

“I know myself,” he said. “Maybe one more day.”

Harrison left a game Sunday in San Diego after jamming his left leg on the firstbase bag while avoiding a tag.

“I can gauge where I’ve been,” he said. “I’ve rolled ankles. I’ve been hit in the legs. Everybody’s lower half has been tested at some point. It’s one thing when it’s sore as opposed to pain.”