Benson Looks Good In Saturday Outing
Ryan Lawrence of the DelcoTimes has the early scoop on Kris Benson’s 45-pitch outing today, which was his first game-like action since his shoulder injury that took him out of baseball for over a year.
The outing went more than three innings, as Benson gave up a walk and three hits in the scoreless set. He also struck out one. Benson and team officials thought the outing was very good, as Benson showed no sign of injury troubles and was very effective. Benson:
“I felt real well, real good I made some good adjustments with the breaking pitches, the curve ball felt good, the slider got better as the game (progressed), so everything felt good physically, everything felt fine.”
Phillies Assistant General Manager Mike Arbuckle, on hand with Pat Gillick for the game, said it was “a very positive outing and a good step.” Meanwhile, Benson said he doesn’t want to rush his rehabilitation, but this baby step is an absolute victory for the Phillies.
It especially is a victory after Travis Blackley stumbled in his first spring start, a true tryout for the fifth starter spot that looks to be vacated by the injured/failure Adam Eaton. Blackley gave up five earned runs while walking four. More on his performance in the game recap post. It’s becoming more possible Benson could be ready to go by April 9, the day the fifth starter would likely first pitch, and judging by this first bit of action, he could be better than we hoped.
