Phillies Cut 5 More

With the season a little more than two weeks away, things are starting to get interesting in the baseball world. Teams are starting to whittle down their roster, starting players are playing a little more, and injuries are mounting throughout the league. The Phillies don't have any major position battles, so there is less intrigue in their camp, but there is still a race for the final few roster spots.

The Phillies cut 14 players last week, and dropped five more today. Outfielders Greg Golson and Brendan Watson and pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Josh Outman were all reassigned to the minor league camp while outfielder T.J. Bohn was optioned there as well. None of these cuts were surprises. Carrasco and Outman are two prospects that the Phillies have high hopes for down the road. Neither figures to see any big league action this season unless the Phils have a rash of injuries. Golson is tremendously fast and continues to flash a great glove, but hasn't proven he can hit major league pitching yet. Bohn and Watson are just minor league fodder and don't have much upside.

Injury Update: Kris Benson is still a long way from returning, according to Charlie Manuel. Manuel said he didn't expect Benson to be back until sometime around June. He is progressing well, but he still has a long, slow recovery to make. This could mean more starts from Adam Eaton or a Durbin than anyone can stomach.

Brad Lidge, however, appears to be right on schedule for a return in April. He looked good yesterday throwing in practice and expects to see some action next week in a simulated game.