DETROIT -- Joaquin Benoit pitched at Comerica Park for the first time on Monday since he used to don the Old English D back in 2013. This time, sporting a Mariners jersey, Benoit threw two scoreless innings in relief in an 8-7 loss to the Tigers in 12 innings.
Those two innings came in the form of high-pressure situations in the eighth and ninth to help the Mariners push the game to extras.
Benoit said it felt good to be back in Detroit, despite getting booed upon entering the game.
"The crowd didn't let me down," he said with a laugh. "It was expected, but I really enjoyed it here. I've got a lot of memories here. It was fun."
Benoit had a 2.89 ERA over three seasons out of the Tigers' bullpen from 2011-13. His postseason ERA was 3.38, but left a bad taste in the mouths of Tigers fans as he gave up a grand slam to Boston's David Ortiz in Game 2 of the 2013 American League Championship Series, blowing his only postseason save opportunity.
He said he doesn't change his approach pitching against his former team.
"I really take every game seriously," Benoit said. "I'd say it's a little more normal now. I faced [the Tigers] in 2014 in San Diego, so it's a little more natural now."
Benoit is still settling into his new role. He has posted a 3.78 ERA in 16 appearances, but has allowed seven earned runs across seven appearances this month.
He has been more active recently, as the Mariners are dealing with injuries to three members of the rotation.
Worth noting
Righty Taijuan Walker, who left Sunday's start in Boston after five innings, returned to Seattle on Monday and had an MRI on his right foot Tuesday morning. Manager Scott Servais said he has been told that the training staff has looked at the images and believe there is no structural damage, but the team is awaiting confirmation from the doctor.
Walker is scheduled to start Friday at Safeco Field against the Cardinals. There has been no decision on whether he or someone else will make the start.