With little to be happy about in all that is the Phillies right now, Kris Benson received some good news.  The right-handed pitcher, recovering from rotator cuff surgery was promoted today to Lehigh Valley.  Benson will make his third rehabilitation start on June 29th against the Syracuse Chiefs.

Benson is scheduled to throw 80 pitches or five innings, but if he’s feeling okay, those numbers might be extended.

Benson wasn’t too impressive in his two starts at Clearwater, posting an 0-2 record with an ERA of 8.10.  Most of that damage occurred in his first start when he allowed five runs in two innings.  Besides those starts at Clearwater weren’t about stats.  Pitching in a game pain-free was the purpose, and he passed that test.  Sunday, when he faces Triple A hitting, is when we’ll start to see what Benson is capable of. 

“It’s important for him to be challenged and to get a better assessment on how he will handle pitching against better competition,” assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “His velocity has been more consistent and he’s had better arm speed. His stuff was better all around.”

Benson has consistently been throwing in the high 80’s.  A little more speed on his fastball (which should come with time), and he might be on his way to Philadelphia.  Who, if anyone, he’d replace remains to be seen.