Padres manager Bud Black says Benoit dealing with dead arm

San Diego Padres manager Bud Black is optimistic reliever Joaquin Benoit will avoid a trip to the disabled list after experiencing symptoms of dead arm.

"We're keeping an eye on Joaquin," Black told reporters Saturday. "He's feeling better. He threw in the outfield yesterday, played catch. He's had four or five days of rest. He's improving."

Benoit, who's been serving as the setup man to Craig Kimbrel, hasn't pitched since April 27. The 37-year-old is 3-1 with a 4.09 ERA.

The Padres added an extra reliever to the bullpen in Benoit's absence, calling up Nick Vincent from Triple-A El Paso on Friday.