Benson to make first Clearwater start

Kris Benson will make his first minor league start on Sunday for Single-A Clearwater. Benson has been listed as day-to-day for over 2 months.
[Philadelphia Daily News]

Benson pitched another extended spring training game and he did well as he allowed 1 run on 3 hits and struck out 4. Also, his fastball topped out at 90 mph, when he was previously only hitting 88.

It was encouraging for him, and it was encouraging for us," said Ruben Amaro Jr., the Phillies assistant general manager who generally comments on health-related issues.

Benson will likely throw about 75 pitches on Sunday. It is still unclear on when Benson will be ready to compete for a start in the rotation. Amaro, Jr. said that it will depend on his progress.

This is definitely positive news for the Phillies who are looking to add a better piece to the rotation than Adam Eaton. According to Jim Salisbury, The Phillies have already lined up Antonio Bastardo's starts with Eaton's, but it is hard to imagine him progressing through the ranks that quickly. The Phillies have also lined up J.A. Happ with Brett Myers' starts. Personally, I think Myers has an injury.