Padres' Joaquin Benoit could return after two bullpen sessions

Padres righthanded pitcher Joaquin Benoit could return after two more bullpen sessions, the first of which comes Sunday when the team closes out its series on the road against the Diamondbacks, according to a report from Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Padres righthanded pitcher Joaquin Benoit could return after two more bullpen sessions, the first of which comes Sunday when the team closes out its series on the road against the Diamondbacks, according to a report from Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The 37-year-old has been sidelined since Aug. 26 because of a chronic shoulder injury. On the season, he owns a 1.58 ERA in 51 1/3 innings. He is scheduled to make $8.5 million next season.

The Padres enter Sunday third in the NL West behind the Dodgers — who attempted to trade for Benoit this summer — and the Giants. 

- Marc Weinreich

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