Apparently Kris Benson will not be one of the players the Phillies add Monday when the roster expands from 25 to up to 40.

A Phillies official just informed the press box that the right-hander was released. Benson was signed to the minor league contract during spring training.

The 33-year-old right-hander, who missed all of the 2007 season while recovering from right elbow and rotator cuff surgery, had several injury setbacks earlier this spring. But he's been healthy and pitching in the last two months with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Benson went 1-6 with a 5.78 ERA in 13 minor-league starts.

No Phillies front office official was available to talk until after Saturday's game, but the guess here is Benson has been a starter throughout his career and both the pitcher and the organization didn't think the bullpen was a good fit.

With Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Kyle Kendrick and Joe Blanton, the Phillies five-man rotation has been set since the second half began.