In his first start in Clearwater in a month, rehabbing right-handed pitcher Kris Benson left in the third inning with what it believed to be a right groin strain.

The game marked Benson's first since March 13. He was shut down in mid-March with bicep tendinitis.

Benson missed all of the 2007 season while recovering from surgery on his right rotator cuff and elbow.

Phillies athletic trainer Scott Sheridan, who is with the team in Pittsburgh, and thus, not in Clearwater, had not seen the latest medical report (concerning the new injury) before game time Saturday.

Benson signed a minor-league, incentive laden deal with the Phillies in February. The contract had an out-clause, which was re-negotiated in late March and reportedly is now set for mid-May.

Of course this latest setback could change that now, too. But all along both sides have said the pitcher wants to stay in Philadelphia.

But he has to get healthy before they can punch his ticket to Citizens Bank Park.


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More injury news from Clearwater...

Jimmy Rollins, who was placed on the DL Sunday with a left ankle sprain, said he's "much improved" and "getting closer to 100 percent."

Rollins has taken batting practice and fielding work at shortstop in each of the last two days.

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The Archive Files

Without Rollins and Shane Victorino, the Phillies continued to persevere. They won their fifth game in six days Friday night. Chris Coste had three hits to raise his average to .406.

In the notebook, Charlie Manuel's most recent lineup change gives a rookie his first major league start.