Benoit can double earnings to $2 million with Nationals

WASHINGTON (AP) - Joaquin Benoit can earn $1 million in performance bonuses in addition to his $1 million base salary with the Washington Nationals.

Washington announced the deal with the 40-year-old reliever on Wednesday and opened a roster spot by placing pitcher Joe Ross on the 60-day disabled list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery in July.

Benoit would get $100,000 each for 30, 35, 40 and 45 pitching appearances, and $200,000 apiece for 50, 55 and 60.

A right-hander who first reached the big leagues in 2001, Benoit has played for eight teams and finished last year with Pittsburgh.

He has 764 career appearances, going 58-49 with a 3.83 ERA and 53 saves.

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