Phillies release Benson
Sports Network | August 30, 2008
Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Kris Benson's bid to return to the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies ended Saturday, as the right-hander was released from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Benson, who sat out all of last season after undergoing right rotator cuff surgery in March 2007, signed a minor league contract with Philadelphia in spring training. He had hoped to pitch for the Phils by May, but the former No. 1 pick encountered a series of setbacks, notably biceps tendinitis and groin injuries. The 33-year-old Benson went a combined 1-6 with a 5.78 earned run average in 13 games with Class-A Clearwater and Lehigh Valley. He cost the Phillies $375,000 while pitching in the minors. Selected by the Pirates with the first overall pick in the 1996 draft, Benson has posted a career record of 68-73 with a 4.34 ERA in 195 starts with Pittsburgh, Baltimore and the New York Mets.
