Alan

Benes

Benes was considered the top candidate to open the season as the fifth starter should Woody Williams not be ready to pitch. This injury might change that, opening the door for Jason Simontacchi or Dan Haren.

Benes should throw off a mound next, and the hope is that he’ll get into a game before the end of the spring. Still, he no longer has much chance of making the Cardinals.

Benes said he was pain-free. He should be a part of the rotation at Triple-A Memphis.

“I’m really happy with him,” pitching coach Dave Duncan said. “It’s exciting to see. He’s looked very good. He has a better sinker, he has a better breaking ball. His velocity is back, the command is there.” Manager Tony La Russa indicated Benes could make the club either as a starter or reliever. Benes had a great start to his career in 1996-97 before injuries derailed him. Don’t expect him to contribute in fantasy leagues.

Rod Beck was pitching better than Benes for Iowa, but he’s not on the 40-man roster. Benes will be used in long relief.

Benes shouldn’t get any additional saves. He’s not to be picked up in NL-only leagues.

We have no idea why the Rangers keep running Benes out there. Tonight’s outing actually lowered his American League ERA to 11.40. He hasn’t had one encouraging performance in four starts since joining the rotation.

The reign of terror is finally at an end. The Rangers won’t need a fifth starter until next Saturday. By then, Chan Ho Park should be ready to return.

Sources say that the Rangers may be on the verge of trading Benes back to the Cubs, from whom they acquired him May 9. A deal was put on hold Tuesday while the front offices of both teams worked on the amateur draft.

Benes, who was traded from the Cubs to the Rangers a month ago, will be assigned to Triple-A Iowa. O’Sullivan was a 23rd-round pick by the Cubs last season. He’s not a prospect.