Benson was recalled from Triple-A Louisville by the Reds on Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
Benson has gone just 1-for-25 with 14 strikeouts at the big-league level this season. He could see a little playing time against right-handed pitching.
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Reds' Will Benson: Back in big leagues
Rotowire
Benson was recalled by the Reds on Saturday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Benson made the Reds' Opening Day roster but was sent down in mid-April after going 1-for-20 with 12 strikeouts. He struggled initially upon his demotion to Triple-A Louisville, but he's hit .259/.468/.556 since the calendar flipped to May, striking out just 16.5 percent of the time. He could get some opportunities over the next few weeks with Henry Ramos (hip) landing on the injured list.
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Reds' Will Benson: Optioned to Louisville
Rotowire
Benson was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday.
After starting the season with just a .145 OPS through eight games, Benson will return to the minors as Nick Senzel (toe) was activated from the 10-day IL. The 24-year-old outfielder slashed .275/.424/.516 in Triple-A last season and could return to the big leagues if he puts up similar numbers.
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Reds' Will Benson: Out of Saturday's lineup
Rotowire
Benson is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Phillies.
Benson is 1-for-13 with a walk and nine strikeouts through four games this year and will head to the bench Saturday with southpaw Bailey Falter pitching for Philadelphia. TJ Friedl will shift to left field while Jose Barrero starts in center.
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Reds' Will Benson: Sits amid 0-for-12 start
Rotowire
Benson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.
Benson opened the season in a strong-side platoon role in the outfield, but his hold on a near-everyday gig could be slipping. He'll be taking a seat Wednesday versus Cubs right-hander Marcus Stroman after going hitless with nine strikeouts in 12 at-bats through his first three starts of the campaign.
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Reds' Will Benson: Resting versus lefty
Rotowire
Benson is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs.
Cincinnati will go with a righty-heavy lineup to counter Cubs southpaw Drew Smyly, so Benson will take a seat along with fellow lefty-hitting regulars Jason Vosler and Jake Fraley. Stuart Fairchild will spell Benson in the corner outfield.
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Reds' Will Benson: Sitting Saturday
Rotowire
Benson will sit Saturday against the Pirates.
Benson started in left field in the season opener but went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. Stuart Fairchild will take over in left with veteran southpaw Rich Hill on the mound for Pittsburgh.
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Reds' Will Benson: Makes Opening Day roster
Rotowire
Benson has made the Reds' Opening Day roster, Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
After being traded from the Guardians to the Reds in early February, Benson entered spring training on the roster bubble. However, his spot on the Opening Day roster isn't particularly surprising due to his strong showing in Cactus League play. The 24-year-old hit .327 with a homer, five runs, three RBI and six stolen bases over 17 spring games and has displayed power potential in the minors over the past two seasons. While he has just 28 major-league games under his belt, Benson will be in the mix to serve as the Reds' primary center fielder to begin the year and offers decent power and speed upside.
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Reds' Will Benson: Positive early impression
Rotowire
Benson has three stolen bases and has played good defense in center field early on in spring training, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
Benson is hardly guaranteed an Opening Day roster spot, let alone regular playing time, but he has some things working in his favor. Nick Senzel doesn't appear likely to be ready for the start of the season, and it's possible Joey Votto could also begin the year on the IL, pushing Wil Myers to first base. Moreover, the Reds don't have many left-handed hitting options in the outfield. Benson has a decent power/speed upside that would make him a decent home park streaming play, similar to teammate Jake Fraley.
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Reds' Will Benson: Traded to Reds
Rotowire
Benson was traded from the Guardians to the Reds on Wednesday.
It was a swap of outfielders, with Justin Boyd heading to the Guardians in return. Cleveland will also get a player to be named later or cash considerations. Benson, the 14th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, went just 10-for-55 (.182) over his first 28 major-league games during the 2022 regular season. However, he possesses decent power and speed and has put up a shiny .873 OPS in 116 career games at the Triple-A level. The 24-year-old should have a clearer path to a regular role in Cincinnati, and his skill set figures to play well at Great American Ball Park.
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Guardians' Will Benson: Yet to make impact in majors
Rotowire
Benson is slashing .143/.211/.143 with one RBI and seven runs scored through his first 38 major-league plate appearances.
The 24-year-old rookie hasn't record a multi-hit effort or an extra-base hit in 17 games. Benson has started the last two games in center field as the Guardians try to address their offensive void at that position with Myles Straw slumping. Benson could provide some speed if he got on base more consistently, as he had 16 steals in 20 attempts in 89 games for Triple-A Columbus prior to his call-up at the start of August.
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Guardians' Will Benson: En route to big leagues
Rotowire
The Guardians confirmed Monday that Benson will be called up from Triple-A Columbus ahead of Cleveland's series opener with the Diamondbacks, Joe Noga of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
The lefty-hitting Benson has gotten exposure to all three outfield spots in addition to making three starts at first base for Columbus this season, and the latter position is where he may end up having his clearest path to playing time as he begins his tenure in the big leagues. The Guardians were down both of their top two first baseman -- Josh Naylor (ankle) and Owen Miller (forearm) -- for Sunday's 5-3 win over the Rays, so it's possible either of the two is placed on the 10-day injured list Monday to facilitate room for Benson. The 24-year-old Benson has enjoyed a huge season at Columbus, hitting .275/.424/.516 with 17 home runs and 16 stolen bases while striking out in only 22.7 percent of his plate appearances.
