Benitez on DL, Mota Is Closer

The Florida Marlins will be without closer Armando Benitez for their upcoming series against Arizona and Friday’s home game against Milwaukee and will use Guillermo Mota, just acquired from the Dodgers, as closer while Benitez is out.

The Marlins put Benitez on the 15-day disabled list Monday because of right elbow inflammation.

But the move is retroactive to July 23, making Benitez eligible to be activated for Saturday’s game against Milwaukee.

Benitez has converted 33 of 36 save opportunities this season and is 2-1 with a 1.25 earned-run average. He has not pitched since earning his 33rd save July 22 against Philadelphia.

Before the trade deadline, the Marlins acquired Mota in a multi-player deal with the Dodgers to serve as the setup man for Benitez.

*

Infielder Mark Bellhorn was put on the disabled list by the Boston Red Sox, who added former Dodger outfielder Dave Roberts to the roster.

Bellhorn broke his left thumb Sunday in Minnesota when he was hit by a pitch from closer Joe Nathan in the ninth inning.

Bellhorn is the 10th member of the Red Sox currently on the disabled list.

He is the 14th Red Sox player to go on the disabled list this season.

The 14 players have been on the list a total of 17 times.

*

The Seattle Mariners put closer Eddie Guardado on the 15-day disabled list because of a tired left shoulder.

Left-handed pitcher Matt Thornton will be recalled today from triple-A Tacoma, the Mariners said.

*

The Montreal Expos put right-hander Zach Day on the 15-day disabled list because of a broken right middle finger and activated left-hander Joey Eischen.