Benoit (forearm) never returned to full pitching in 2018, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Benoit strained his right forearm back in spring training, and according to Zuckerman, he also picked up a shoulder injury along the way. Either way, the veteran was never able to ramp up his throwing and even declined surgery to fix the issues due to his age. This rough development along with his middling performance in 2017 suggests he'll have a tough time finding work ahead of the 2019 season.

Benoit was moved to the 60-day disabled list on Saturday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Benoit was removed from the 40-man roster in order to make room for Mark Reynolds, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Syracuse. The move is largely a bureaucratic one, as Benoit is still several weeks away from returning from a forearm strain.

Benoit (forearm) began a throwing program Friday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is a big step forward for the veteran reliever, as he had been unable to play catch since incurring a forearm strain at the end of spring training. However, given how long it's been since he's taken part in baseball activities, he'll likely need a few more weeks before a full return to action, though his return timetable should become clearer once he starts his rehab assignment.

Benoit remains sidelined with a strained forearm and has yet to resume a throwing program, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Benoit has been dealing with this specific injury since the final week of spring training and it doesn't appear to be going away, as it's been over three weeks since the 40-year-old has played catch. At this point, it seems likely that he won't be back in action until the end of April, assuming he's able to start a throwing program in the near future. Expect an update on his status once he resumes activities.

Benoit (forearm) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Benoit has been battling a strained forearm throughout camp and will need more time to get up to speed before starting his season. He'll fill a middle-relief role for the Nationals upon his return. Trevor Gott and Austin Adams are the leading candidates to fill his spot in the bullpen while he remains injured.

Benoit acknowledged Wednesday that he's dealing with a strained right forearm and will open the season on the disabled list, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 40-year-old is slated to work in middle relief this season for a deep Nationals bullpen, but he'll need some time to recuperate while the elbow issue has hindered him throughout the spring. Benoit was hit hard in his three Grapefruit League appearances before being shut down for the past week, so he'll remain in Florida for extended spring training and continue rehabbing until he feels ready to pitch for the big club. The Nationals are expected to fill his spot in the bullpen with another right-handed option, with Trevor Gott and Austin Adams seemingly representing the top candidates.

Benoit signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Nationals on Monday, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 40-year-old reliever recorded a 4.65 ERA in 50.1 innings with Pittsburgh and Philadelphia last season. It was his worst ERA since 2008, but his 5.17 xFIP indicates that it was well deserved. His strikeout rate of 21.6% fell to exactly league average, though his fastball velocity took a slight uptick to 94.8 mph. His days of being a high-leverage reliever are probably over, but he may still have enough left in the tank to hold down a big-league job.

Benoit left the Pirates to attend to a family matter in the Dominican Republic, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear how long Benoit will be away from the team at this point, but Daniel Hudson, George Kontos and A.J. Schugel will be in charge of getting the ball to Felipe Rivero in the meantime. Benoit, who owns an unimpressive 4.65 ERA through 50.1 innings this season, will return to a setup role out of Pittsburgh's bullpen once he returns.

Benoit (knee) was reinstated from the 10-day DL on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Benoit rejoins the team prior to Friday's game against the Reds following a 10-day stay on the disabled list. The right-hander was able to toss a simulated game Tuesday and appears to be at full health going into the weekend.

Benoit (knee) will throw a simulated game Tuesday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

If Benoit can get through Tuesday's simulated game without issue, there's a good chance he'll be able to return when eligible September 1. It's unclear whether or not the Pirates will bother with a rehab stint at this point; expect an update Wednesday after the club can evaluate the impact of the simulated game on Benoit's knee.