June 26 -- BEHOLD, THE OUTMAN (AND MINOR MATTERS)

READING -- Josh Outman has a great surname for a pitcher.

Lately, though, The Outman hasn't gotten many outs.

In late April, the Phillies moved Outman to the bullpen at Class AA Reading, a product of their need for another left-handed reliever at the major-league level. And while Outman has had mini-stretches of success (he didn't walk a batter in five straight outings last month), he has endured far greater struggles.

As a starter, Outman threw four pitches (fastball, curveball, changeup, slider) and had a 3.16 ERA in five starts. As a reliever, he throws mostly two pitches (fastball, slider) and has a 4.11 ERA in 19 appearances. His control hasn't improved either. In 30-2/3 innings as a reliever, he has walked a whopping 21 batters.

So, did the Phillies make a mistake?

"No regrets," farm director Steve Noworyta said of moving Outman to the bullpen. "He realizes what he has to do. It's not 'woe is me.' He's saying, 'I know I've got things to work on.' When you hear that, you've got to give him every opportunity in that role. Right now, we're happy with the direction he's going, and we're going to stick with it."

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Kris Benson still has a long way to go before he's ready to pitch for the Phillies. But he took a significant step today. Benson has been promoted to Class AAA Lehigh Valley and will make his next start Sunday at Coca Cola Park in Allentown, Pa. Benson, attempting to come back from right shoulder surgery in March 2007, was 0-2 with an 8.10 ERA (six runs in 6-2/3 innings) in two minor-league starts for Class A Clearwater.

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Two days ago, we told you about the progress made by center fielder Greg Golson and catcher Lou Marson at Reading. Well, Golson and Marson were named today to the U.S. team for the annual All-Star Futures Game on July 13 at Yankee Stadium. Shortstop Jason Donald also was picked for the U.S. team, while top pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco will make his third straight appearance on the World team. Fellow pitching prospect Antonio Bastardo was also picked for the World team, but he won't be able to pitch because of inflammation in his right shoulder.

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Stat of the day: In Kyle Kendrick's 36 major-league starts, the Phillies are 25-11. But I can't recall them needing a win more than the one Kendrick delivered last night with eight shutout innings against the Athletics. Say what you want about the effect of the Phillies' reconfigured lineup. Last night's 4-0 victory had everything to do with Kendrick.