Injury Delays Benson Further
Following up from yesterday’s note, Kris Benson had another setback in his rehabilitation. He was scratched from his start in Clearwater because of “tightness and soreness in his right biceps” according to the Phillies via Todd Zolecki.
Ruben Amaro Jr.:
“He kind of tested it this morning and didn’t feel comfortable enough posting up and pitching tonight with Clearwater. … We’d like to have him be able to pitch consistently and be healthy, but we’ll stay with him for now and see how he progresses. We need to get him back on the mound so we can evaluate him and see if he’s going to be able to help us in the big leagues.”
Smoke, meet mirrors.
It might not even happen for Benson. I hope it does, and maybe he becomes a post-All-Star contribution, but right now it’s a better bet to start scouring the available trading chip market. Even if Brett Myers finds his way back to No. 2 status, this team needs something to go in between usual sure bets Hamels-Myers and “let’s go six and hope the offense does their job” Kendrick-Moyer-Eaton.
Other notes: Zolecki also notes Jayson Werth is swinging the bat and could be headed for rehab assignments this week. Also, Carlos Ruiz was good to go after being struck by a pitch Saturday. Chris Coste started his second-straight game, but mainly because he’s very good.
