Rehabbing pitcher Kris Benson will make another attempt to get back to the big leagues this evening as he is scheduled to take the hill for the Class-A Clearwater Threshers.  This will be Benson’s first rehab start since having from shoulder surgery in Arpil of 2007.  Although it’s not his first scheduled start.  The last time Benson was scheduled to start was on June 2nd.  Unfortunately he was a mid-morning scratch due to arm soreness.

A former first overall pick, Benson has had what some would consider a disapppointing career, going 68-73 with a 4.34 ERA over seven seasons with the Pirates, Mets, and Orioles.  While he has had his struggles (and injuries), during his big league career, Benson has flourished when facing the NL East, going a combine 20-10 with a 3.04 ERA.

With the season-long struggles of Brett Myers and Kyle Kendrick slowly becoming Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde, a healthy Benson would be a big lift for the Phillies down the stretch.  In saying that, those ideas should be put on hold until Benson can actually pitch in a game without pain.

Even so, I’ll be paying attention very closely.