Will Benson
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MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 29 2025Benson went 3-for-4 with a double, one RBI and one run scored in Sunday's 3-2 victory over the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cincinnati outfielder ripped an RBI single off San Diego closer Robert Suarez in the ninth for the walk-off win. The single also allowed Benson to secure his first three-hit game since May 18 against Cleveland. Since that date, Benson had struggled to a .163/.240/.233 slash line across 100 plate appearances prior to this contest, so perhaps this performance can turn around his fortunes. The 27-year-old is on the strong side of a platoon in right field with Rece Hinds and is now slashing .233/.299/.433 across 137 total plate appearances.
Jun 25 2025Benson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson and fellow left-handed hitters Gavin Lux and Jake Fraley will all hit the bench for the series finale while the Yankees send a southpaw (Max Fried) to the bump for the second straight day. Though Benson has been a fixture in the Cincinnati outfield against right-handed pitching for the past five weeks, his playing time could soon dry up with Austin Hays (foot) nearing a return from the injured list.
Jun 23 2025Benson is absent from the lineup for Monday's game versus the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed-hitting Benson had been in the lineup every time the Reds faced a righty since May 10, but he'll take a seat Monday as the Yankees send right-hander Allan Winans to the bump. Gavin Lux will play left field Monday.
Jun 18 2025Benson started in left field and went 1-for-3 with a walk and two RBI in Tuesday's 6-5 win over Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson got the Reds started with a two-out, two-run single in the fourth inning that erased the Twins' early advantage. He's been a sub-.200 hitter (10-for-59, .169) since a hot streak in the middle of May put him on the fantasy radar. Despite the downturn, Benson's managed to maintain a regular presence in the lineup against right-handers. That could change when Austin Hays (foot) is ready to return.
Jun 15 2025Benson is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Tigers are deploying a lefty opener in Tyler Holton, but right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long is slated to work in bulk relief. Benson will begin the contest on the bench but could be a candidate to replace Connor Joe in left field once Gipson-Long takes the mound.
Jun 11 2025Benson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With lefty Logan Allen on the bump for Cleveland, Benson will take a seat for the series finale along with fellow left-handed hitters Gavin Lux and Jake Fraley. Benson had started each of the Reds' last four games, going 3-for-13 with a double, three walks, four runs and one RBI.
Jun 4 2025Benson went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's win over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson struck out in his first three at-bats but made up for it with a solo home run in the eighth to make it a 4-2 lead for the Reds. Benson's cooled off considerably since his mini outburst at the plate in mid-May during which he had five homers and 10 RBI in four games. Since May 21, he's hitting just .147/.205/.245 with a 30.8 percent strikeout rate.
May 31 2025Benson started in left field and went 2-for-4 with two runs scored in Friday's 6-2 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson, who had been playing right field for an injured Jake Fraley, maintained a lineup presence with Fraley's return Friday. A convenient opening in left field occurred when the Reds placed Austin Hays (foot) on the 10-day injured list. Benson has cooled off since he homered five times in four games in the middle of the month, going 3-for-21 with two walks, three RBI and two runs over his last seven games.
May 25 2025Benson started in right field and went 0-for-3 with an RBI in Saturday's 6-4 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson was back in the lineup against a right-handed starter, after he was held out against southpaws the prior three games. Benson made an impact immediately after his call-up from Triple-A Louisville with five home runs, three doubles, 11 RBI, one steal and seven runs scored over his first 10 games. Since then, he's gone 0-for-5 over seven plate appearances. Jake Fraley (calf) has started a rehab assignment, so Benson's run as the primary right fielder against right-handed pitching may end soon.
May 22 2025Benson, who was held out of the lineup for a second straight day against a lefty, entered Wednesday's game as a pinch runner and was caught stealing. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson has a career .138 average and .451 OPS against southpaws, so holding him out of starting lineups against them is expected. He finished the game in right field. Following Thursday's off day, the Reds return home Friday to face the Cubs and left-hander Matthew Boyd, which means Benson could sit a third straight game.
May 20 2025Benson is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old has gone 12-for-34 with five homers in 10 games since being called up by Cincinnati on May 9, but he'll sit Tuesday against Pittsburgh lefty Bailey Falter. Benson should continue to see plenty of at-bats while filling the strong side of a platoon in right field with Jake Fraley (calf) sidelined.
May 18 2025Benson went 3-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI in Sunday's win over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson stayed red-hot Sunday and provided all of the offensive production in the 3-1 victory. He's gone deep five times during his four-game homer streak. Since being recalled from Triple-A Louisville earlier this month, he's gone 11-for-26 (.423) with seven extra-base hits and 11 RBI. Benson's hot bat has earned him regular playing time lately, and that should continue, at least until Jake Fraley (calf) returns.
May 17 2025Benson started in right field and went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Friday's 5-4 win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson took Tanner Bibee deep in the second inning with a three-run shot to put the Reds on the board early. It was his second straight game with a homer and three RBI. He's filling in for the injured Jake Fraley (calf) but is hitting like he could replace Fraley (.205 average, .678 OPS) as the lefty-hitting component in a right-field platoon. Since his call-up, Benson is 7-for-18 (.389) with two doubles, two homers, seven RBI, three walks, a steal and three runs scored over six contests.
May 15 2025Benson went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a two-RBI single during Thursday's 7-1 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson has bounced back and forth between the MLB and Triple-A this season, but he's seen extended action recently as TJ Friedl (wrist) and Jake Fraley (calf) tend to injuries. Thursday's contest marked Benson's first big-league homer and first multi-hit game of the 2025 campaign. Since being called up Friday, Benson has gone 5-for-14 (.357) with three extra-base hits at the plate.
May 13 2025Benson is not in Tuesday's lineup against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson has started two of four games since getting recalled, and while he started Saturday and Sunday, he's sitting out the first game against Chicago, even with righty Jonathan Cannon on the bump. The righty-hitting Connor Joe is starting in right field and batting ninth.
May 12 2025Benson started in right field and went 0-for-3 in Sunday's 6-0 loss to the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson made a second consecutive start in right field since being called up at the end of last week. The lefty-hitting outfielder is filling in for the injured Jake Fraley (calf) but may be limited to starting against right-handers. Benson is 1-for-7 with a double and an RBI during his second stint this season in the majors.
May 11 2025Benson started in right field and went 1-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 13-9 win over the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson made his first start since being called up Friday. The lefty batter stepped in for the injured Jake Fraley (calf) and likely will see opportunities whenever the Reds face a right-handed pitcher. Benson and recent trade acquisition Connor Joe may platoon in right field while Fraley is unavailable.
May 9 2025The Reds recalled Benson from Triple-A Louisville on Friday, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Benson getting the promotion and Austin Hays (hamstring) returning from the injured list Friday, the Reds are turning over their outfield depth chart. Both Blake Dunn and Jacob Hurtubise were optioned to Triple-A to make room. Benson slashed .289/.377/.521 with seven home runs, 29 RBI, 26 runs scored and five stolen bases at Louisville.
Apr 12 2025The Reds optioned Benson to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson was recalled by the Reds on Tuesday and started in left field against the Giants on Wednesday, when he struck out in all four at-bats. Benson will return to Triple-A as Cincinnati activates Andrew Abbott (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move.
Apr 10 2025Benson started in left field and went 0-for-4 in Wednesday's 8-6 loss to San Francisco. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson struck out swinging four times -- three whiffs and one foul tip -- in his season debut after being called up from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. He swung the bat well for the Bats, but Wednesday's effort was reminder of his struggles in 2024, when Benson struck out 39.7 percent of the time against major-league pitching.
Apr 8 2025The Reds recalled Benson from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old missed out on Cincinnati's Opening Day roster but will join the active roster with Carson Spiers being demoted and Matt McLain (hamstring) heading to the injured list. Benson had a .650 OPS in 128 games last season and will likely operate as a reserve outfielder.
Mar 15 2025The Reds optioned Benson to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson had a pretty underwhelming season with the Reds in 2024, slashing .187/.274/.376 with 14 homers, 43 RBI and 16 stolen bases over 128 games. He managed to bounce back during Cactus League play, posting an .853 OPS over 30 plate appearances, though 10 of those plate appearances ended in strikeouts. He'll head to Triple-A for now, though Benson could return to Cincinnati if he gets hot or outfield depth becomes an issue.
Feb 22 2025Benson was not part of Cincinnati's Opening Day roster projection compiled by C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson dropped off a cliff in 2024, posting a .187/.274/.376 line over 388 plate appearances, which puts an MLB job in jeopardy. There are still some moving parts before manager Terry Francona settles on a 26-man roster, so Benson to the minors is not a done deal. His eventual assignment hinges on the health of Spencer Steer (shoulder), and whether the manager has Gavin Lux stick mainly to infield duty.
Feb 1 2025Benson reworked his swing during the offseason, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson needed to do something to become a more competitive option for the outfield in 2025. He batted .187 (.180 expected average) with a 39.7 strikeout percentage last year. Benson managed to provide some value with 16 steals, though finding playing time may be harder in this season. The Reds recently added outfielder Austin Hays and plan to move Matt McLain to center field; it will be hard for Benson to carve out a regular role with such a crowded mix in the outfield.
Sep 22 2024Benson went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Saturday's 7-1 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson, who has started just five of 19 games this month, was in the starting lineup for a second straight contest. He singled, stole second base and waltzed home on an Elly De La Cruz home run. The stolen base was Benson's second in as many games and upped his season total to 16.
Sep 21 2024Benson went 0-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 8-3 win over Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson walked to lead off the fourth inning, stole a base and came home on Tyler Stephenson's bases-loaded double. The swipe was Benson's 15th of the season and first in 25 games. His playing time has been erratic over the last few months due to a batting average that has remained below the Mendoza Line since June 19.
Sep 20 2024Benson entered Thursday's game as a pinch hitter and went 0-for-2 in a 15-3 loss to Milwaukee. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson, who struck out as a pinch hitter with a runner in scoring position, stayed in the game and finished out as the designated hitter. He had been dealing with a finger injury and hadn't appeared in a game since Sunday.
Sep 19 2024Benson (finger) remains out of the lineup for Thursday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson hasn't made a start since being removed from a Sept. 12 game against the Cardinals with a left middle finger injury, but he's appeared off the bench in two contests since then and appears to have moved past the issue. The 26-year-old hasn't been a regular in the Cincinnati lineup in September and will likely see sparse playing time heading into the final week of the season.
Sep 15 2024Benson (finger) is absent from Sunday's lineup against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson is not starting for a third straight game after sustaining an injury to his left middle finger during Thursday's game against the Cardinals. He did enter Saturday's game against the Twins in the bottom of the seventh inning in right field, and he hit an RBI single in the eighth frame. Benson will likely be available out of the dugout for Sunday's series finale, and with the Reds scheduled for an off-day Monday, the 26-year-old could return to the lineup for Cincinnati's upcoming home series against Atlanta.
Sep 14 2024Benson (finger) isn't in the Reds' lineup Saturday versus Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson will be missing his second game in a row since he left Thursday's game after getting hit in the fingers by a pitch during a bunt attempt. While he continues to heal, Spencer Steer, TJ Friedl and Jake Fraley will form the Reds' outfield trio Saturday.
Sep 13 2024Benson (finger) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson was removed from Thursday's game after being hit in the finger by a pitch while attempting a bunt. The X-rays on his middle finger came back negative, but he'll get Friday off to rest and recover. Spencer Steer, TJ Friedl and Jake Fraley fill the outfield from left to right.
Sep 12 2024Benson is day-to-day after X-rays on his left middle finger came back negative, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson was injured Thursday in St. Louis when a pitch hit his finger on a bunt attempt. He has managed to escape with merely a contusion and is considered day-to-day heading into Friday's series opener at Minnesota.
Sep 9 2024Benson is out of the lineup for Monday's game in Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: T.J. Friedl needed just one afternoon out of the lineup to recover from experiencing a shortness of breath in Saturday's 4-0 loss to the Mets, so Benson will head back to the bench as the Reds head to Atlanta for a standalone game. Before cracking the lineup Sunday, Benson hadn't started in any of the Reds' preceding five contests.
Sep 1 2024Benson will start in left field and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson will draw his fifth start in six games after he closed out August by going 3-for-11 with two home runs, one double and two walks over his final five contests of the month. With Jake Fraley (knee) returning from the injured list Sunday, Benson's opportunities to play against right-handed pitching will likely become more limited moving forward, but the Reds will have room for both players in the lineup in the series finale while Spencer Steer gets a day off.
Aug 29 2024Benson went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Thursday's 10-9 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson got the Reds on the board with his third-inning homer. This was his second game in a row with a homer, which could help his case for playing time down the stretch, but he's still unlikely to see anything more than a part-time role. The outfielder has gone 6-for-31 (.194) in August, which is right in line with his .195 average for the year. He's added 14 homers, 42 RBI, 37 runs scored and 14 stolen bases with a .676 OPS across 352 plate appearances. Even as a lefty hitter, Benson has had to share right field with a trio of right-handed hitters in Santiago Espinal, Rece Hinds and Amed Rosario.
Aug 9 2024Benson started in left field and went 1-for-2 with a stolen base in Thursday's 10-4 extra-inning win over Miami. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson made his first start since being reinstated off the paternity list Wednesday. The steal was his 14th. He was later pinch hit for when a left-handed reliever entered, which has been the custom for much of this season. Benson, who is batting .196 overall, is 7-for-51 (.137) against southpaws.
Aug 7 2024The Reds activated Benson (personal) from the paternity list Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson missed the last three games while welcoming a new member to his family. He's not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Miami with right-hander Valente Bellozo on the mound for the Marlins, but Benson will be available off the bench. Benson has held down a strong-side platoon role for much of the season, but he may be in store for fewer opportunities against right-handed pitching following the Reds' recent acquisition of Ty France.
Aug 4 2024The Reds placed Benson (personal) on the paternity list Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson will miss between one and three games while he welcomes a new addition to his family. Joey Wiemer was recalled from Triple-A Louisville to add depth to the Cincinnati outfield in the short term.
Jul 29 2024Benson went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Monday's 7-1 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson got the scoring started in this one, taking Jameson Taillon deep in the second inning. It was Benson's 12th long ball of the season, which gives him a new career high. Benson has four home runs in July, but other than that, he's struggled mightily since the middle of June, hitting .152/.201/.299 over his last 36 games. The 26-year-old continues to be plagued by high strikeout numbers and doesn't get on base enough to take advantage of his speed and his 13 stolen bases this year. 
Jul 28 2024Benson is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson will begin Sunday's game in the dugout with lefty Tyler Alexander expected to serve as the Rays' primary pitcher. Benson went 1-for-7 with four strikeouts across the first two games of the series. Spencer Steer will start in left field and bat in the cleanup spot.
Jul 24 2024Benson is out of the lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader with Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Benson will head to the bench for the second game of the day while southpaw Chris Sale takes the hill for Atlanta. Stuart Fairchild will enter the starting nine in center field in place of Benson, who went 1-for-4 with a double in Cincinnati's 9-4 win in the first game of the day.
Jul 23 2024Benson is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Benson will dodge a matchup with southpaw Chris Sale, who'll take the mound for Atlanta. Austin Slater will bat seventh and fill left field.
Jul 22 2024Benson went 2-for-2 with a solo home run and two stolen bases in a 4-1 win over Atlanta on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson hit a solo home run in the third inning and then stole second and third in the fifth. Even on a huge night, he was pinch-hit for against a southpaw in the ninth frame. On the season, the 26-year-old is hitting a miserable .194 but has contributed 11 home runs and 13 steals across 299 plate appearances while starting against most right-handed pitchers.
Jul 20 2024Benson isn't in the Reds' lineup for Saturday's game against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Lefty MacKenzie Gore will toe the slab for the Nats, so the lefty-hitting Benson will step out of the lineup while Austin Slater covers center field and bats sixth.
Jul 19 2024Benson is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson will yield to Stuart Fairchild in center field Friday due to southpaw Patrick Corbin starting for Washington. Benson is slashing .190/.277/657 with 10 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 293 plate appearances this season.
Jul 14 2024Benson is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson and fellow left-handed-hitting outfielder Jake Fraley will retreat to the bench for the final game before the All-Star break while the Marlins send a southpaw (Trevor Rogers) to the hill. Austin Slater and Spencer Steer will replace Benson and Fraley in center field and left field, respectively.
Jul 11 2024Benson is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Benson will hit the bench for a second straight day while the Rockies bring another southpaw (Austin Gomber) to the hill. With fellow left-handed hitter Jake Fraley also out of the lineup, the Reds will open up room in the starting outfield for Austin Slater and Rece Hinds.
Jul 10 2024Benson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Even though injuries have decimated the Cincinnati outfield of late, the lefty-hitting Benson will still hit the bench Wednesday while the Reds oppose a southpaw (Kyle Freeland). Despite slashing just .173/.225/.309 since the beginning of June, Benson looks like he should still have a regular spot in the lineup against right-handed pitching, at least until Cincinnati reclaims some health.
Jul 3 2024Benson is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson clubbed a two-run homer in Tuesday's win over the Yankees, but he'll take a seat Wednesday with lefty Carlos Rodon toeing the slab for the opposition. Blake Dunn is covering right field for the Reds.
Jul 2 2024Benson went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson snapped a 26-game homerless streak, tagging Luis Gil for a two-run shot in the fifth inning. After enduring an 0-for-25 stretch in the middle of June, Benson looks to be turning the corner, batting 4-for-18 with four runs and six RBI in his last five games. Still, the outfielder is batting .191 with a 39.4 percent strikeout rate on the year.
Jun 30 2024Benson went 1-for-5 with a stolen base, two RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 9-4 win over St. Louis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson hit a two-run single, stole a base, then scored as part of Cincinnati's six-run fifth inning. The outfielder has four RBI over the last three games, which follows a miserable 14-game stretch during which he was 1-for-31 with no runs driven in.
Jun 29 2024Benson started in right field and went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Friday's 1-0 loss to St. Louis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson, who was given a rare day off against a righty Wednesday, was in the starting lineup for a second consecutive game against a right-hander Friday. He stole his 10th base of the season, putting himself in scoring position, but Cincinnati was unable to get a key hit (1-for-10 with RISP). While Benson has struggled in 2024 -- he snapped a hitless run of 25 at-bats Thursday and is batting .191 -- the Reds have a couple of outfield injuries that should keep him in the lineup over the weekend. They are scheduled to face another righty, Lance Lynn, on Saturday.
Jun 26 2024Benson is absent from the lineup for Wednesday contest versus the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson will get a rare day off against a right-hander while the Pirates send Luis Ortiz to the hill in the series finale. Nick Martini, Stuart Fairchild and Jake Fraley will form the Cincinnati outfield from left to right.
Jun 25 2024Benson (elbow) is starting in left field and batting eighth Tuesday against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old sat out Monday after being hit by a pitch in the left elbow Sunday, but X-rays came back negative and he's back in the lineup Tuesday. Benson has slumped hard in June with a .442 OPS, and he's 0-for-21 over his past nine contests.
Jun 24 2024Benson (elbow) is out of the lineup Monday against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson will take a seat for the series opener versus the Pirates after he exited late in the Reds' 7-4 loss to the Red Sox on Sunday, when he was struck in the left elbow by a pitch. He's day-to-day after X-rays returned negative, but even if he was 100 percent, the lefty-hitting Benson likely would have been on the bench anyway with the Pirates sending southpaw Bailey Falter to the mound. Benson has recorded just four hits in 42 at-bats versus lefties this season.
Jun 18 2024Benson is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson will dodge a matchup with southpaw Bailey Falter on Tuesday. Instead, Spencer Steer will play left field, Jeimer Candelario will slide to first base and Santiago Espinal will slot in at third base.
Jun 7 2024Benson is not in the lineup for Friday's contest versus the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed hitting Benson will take a seat as the Cubs send southpaw Justin Steele to the hill. Blake Dunn, TJ Friedl and Stuart Fairchild will handle outfield duties for the Reds on Friday.
Jun 4 2024Benson is not in the Reds' lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Benson will begin Tuesday's game on the bench with the Rockies starting southpaw Ty Blach. The Reds' starting outfield will consist of Blake Dunn in left, TJ Friedl in center and Stuart Fairchild in right.
Jun 3 2024Benson went 2-for-3 with a triple, two runs scored and three RBI in Monday's win over Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson singled and scored in the third inning before hitting a two-run triple and scoring again in the fourth. He capped off his day with an RBI sacrifice fly in the sixth. Benson had gone 29 straight games since his last multi-hit performance April 29; during that stretch, he went 13-for-74 (.176). He's now slashing .205/.309/.426 with 20 RBI and 21 extra-base hits through 57 games.
Jun 1 2024Benson isn't in the Reds' lineup for Saturday's game against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Benson will retreat to the dugout as the lefty-throwing Justin Steele prepares to toe the slab Saturday. Stuart Fairchild will fill the void in right field and bat in the leadoff spot.
May 29 2024Benson went 1-for-1 with a walk and a solo home run Tuesday's 7-1 loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson produced Cincinnati's lone run, taking a Kyle Gibson four-seamer over the fence to lead off the bottom of the sixth inning. It was the eighth homer of the season for Benson, who also provides fantasy value with eight steals. He was eventually removed for a pinch hitter when a lefty reliever entered, which has been the case in his last four starts.
May 26 2024Benson went 1-for-1 with a walk and a solo home run in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson followed up Spencer Steer's homer in the first inning with one of his own off Walker Buehler in the second. While Benson is providing some category juice with seven homers and eight steals through 49 games this season, he's batting just .193/.293/.398. His struggles have led to him falling to the bottom of the order against righties, and the bit of time he was seeing against lefties earlier this season has dried up.
May 24 2024Benson is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Benson will avoid a matchup with southpaw James Paxton on Friday. Stuart Fairchild will start in center field and bat leadoff for the Reds.
May 22 2024Benson batted ninth and went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored in Tuesday's 2-0 win over San Diego. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson had been Cincinnati's leadoff batter against right-handers since TJ Friedl (thumb) was placed on the 10-day injured list last week. Rookie Jacob Hurtubise took on the role Tuesday with Benson sliding to the bottom of the order. Benson had gone 4-for-18 with two walks and two home runs over his last five games as the leadoff batter. It's unclear if this will be manager David Bell's plan going forward until Friedl is ready.
May 17 2024Benson went 1-for-4 with a walk and a solo home run in Thursday's 7-2 win over the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson homered to lead off the game, his second long ball in three games and sixth of the season. He's batted leadoff in all three contests, taking the spot normally reserved for TJ Friedl (thumb), and has hit safely in all three. It's overall been a rough start to the season for Benson, who's slashing .196/.290/.406 while striking out an alarming 40.1 percent of the time.
May 15 2024Benson started in center field and batted leadoff, going 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 6-2 win over Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson delivered the go-ahead knock in the fifth inning, his first home run since April 27. With TJ Friedl (thumb) landing on the injured list, Benson is likely to fill in against right-handers, while Stuart Fairchild operates against lefties. Benson's hit the ball hard, per Statcast, but has little show for it (.193 batting average, .393 slugging).
May 13 2024Benson went 0-for-4 with a walk in Sunday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to San Francisco. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As has been customary of late, Benson found himself on the bench to start the game against a lefty, but he was needed when TJ Friedl was removed in the second inning with a thumb injury. Benson, whose average has hovered around .200 since April 19, is just 3-for-25 (.120) over 10 games during the month of May.
May 8 2024Benson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson and fellow lefty hitter Jake Fraley will head to the bench Wednesday while southpaw Jordan Montgomery toes the slab for Arizona. Stuart Fairchild and Luke Maile will join the lineup as the starters in right field and designated hitter, respectively, while Benson and Fraley sit.
Apr 28 2024Benson went 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in Saturday's 8-4 win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson homered and donned the celebratory Viking helmet for the fourth time this season. He's scuffled since the middle of the month and entered Saturday's contest on a 3-for-32 (.094) stretch. Despite the struggles, Benson was recently elevated to leadoff against right-handers, but it's unclear if the experiment will continue. The lefty-hitting outfielder is 4-for-21 (.190) with a .227 on-base percentage in five games as the leadoff hitter.
Apr 25 2024Benson went 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in Wednesday's 7-4 win over Philadelphia. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Benson put the Reds on the board with a solo home run in the third inning off righty Spencer Turnbull, but his biggest hit came three innings later. The lefty hitter delivered the go-ahead run with two outs off lefty Matt Strahm. Benson was a platoon player in 2023 but is getting more opportunities against southpaws this season. It's not always pretty -- 4-for-22 off them thus far -- but manager David Bell let him stay in the game at a high-leverage moment. Benson, who snapped a career-worst 0-for-18 skid in Tuesday's win over the Phillies, is 3-for-9 in the series heading into the finale Thursday afternoon.
Apr 22 2024Benson is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With left-hander Ranger Suarez on the mound for the Phillies, Reds manager David Bell will give the lefty-hitting Benson a day off and stock up on some extra right-handed bats. Bubba Thompson will pick up a start in the outfield in Benson's stead.
Apr 20 2024Benson is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the Angels sending left-hander Patrick Sandoval to the mound Saturday, Bubba Thompson will start in right field and bat ninth. Benson has started in each of the Reds' last five games, going 3-for-17 with five walks and three stolen bases over that span.