Benson making progress in rehab

PHILADELPHIA -- Kris Benson earned his first decision of 2008, though it happened nearly 1,100 miles from Citizens Bank Park.

Pitching for Class A Clearwater in a rehab stint, the right-hander worked two innings in the Threshers' 12-6 loss to Dunedin, the Class A affiliate of the Blue Jays.

Benson faced 13 batters, allowing five runs on three hits and two walks. He struck out three and surrendered three homers. While it wasn't pretty, it was progress.

"He made progress, and that's the important thing," Phillies general manager Pat Gillick said. "He's a little bit better than his last time out [in an extended spring training outing]. "His arm was OK. He has to have better control. If he's going to pitch with the fastball that he had last night, he needs to have better control. But he's improving."

Gillick noted that Benson's velocity ticked higher than his usual 86-89, and peaked at 90-91 mph.

There is still no way to predict when Benson might appear with the Phillies, especially after enduring three setbacks after signing a Minor League deal in February. Benson will start again on Tuesday and make at least two more starts.

Should Benson be summoned, he would have to replace one of the pitchers in the rotation, possibly Brett Myers, who could then return to the bullpen. Such talk may be premature, as Benson must first show that he's healthy.

"We're going to stay with [Benson] and see where it goes," Gillick said. "I wouldn't [say we're] counting on him. We're hoping. That's a better word to use."

Should the team decide to make a move for pitching help, Gillick said he didn't see that assistance coming from the Minor Leagues, at least in the short-term. A trade is possible, but not until the sellers identify themselves.

"Seattle is one club that is out of it right now," Gillick said. "The other clubs who might have some interesting personnel are still in the race. Some of the sellers don't know they're sellers."

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