The Phillies released pitcher Kris Benson on Saturday, ending his bid to return to the Major Leagues with the team, according to Sports Network. He was released from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Benson sat out all of last season after undergoing right rotator cuff surgery in March 2007, and signed a minor league contract with Philadelphia in spring training. He encountered a series of setbacks, notably biceps tendinitis and groin injuries that prevented him from ever pitching for the Phillies.