Benton officially returned to the majors in 1938, and he was mostly used out of the bullpen. Benton would lead the American League in Saves with 17 in 1940, and he would have a dual role as a starter and closer in 1940 with a 15-6 record and a 2.90 ERA in 1941. That season, he was second in that stat and was third in bWAR for Pitchers (5.5). Benton returned as an All-Star in 1942, and despite a losing record of 7-13, he was second in bWAR for Pitchers (5.6), and an ERA under 3.
Like many Americans, Benton would serve his country in World War II, and he returned in 1945 with a 13-8 record and a 2.02 ERA, which was good enough for second in the AL. Benton won 11 Games in 1946, but he was in his mid-30s, and his play declined after. Benton was released in 1948 and would latch on with the Cleveland Indians the year later.
With the Tigers, he would go 71-64 with 510 Strikeouts and 45 Saves.
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