"I'm feeling good with the clubhouse and the pitching coach and the manager," Benson said. "The winning attitude here, the excitement going into the season, it's all a win-win situation from my standpoint. From their standpoint, they have another starting pitcher they can count on down the road."

Benson's road back from shoulder surgery has been slowed by a recent bout of tendinitis. The setback means he will not have a chance to make 30 starts and maximize the incentives in his contract.

Agent Gregg Clifton and the club were restructuring the pitcher's contract last night. When completed, the restructured deal will likely give Benson the right to opt out on May 15 if he is not on the 40-man roster.

"Chris has asked me to do everything possible to help him remain a Phillie," Clifton said.

Benson, 33, had surgery in March 2007 and missed all of last season.

Reds 5, Phillies 3

"Obviously, my numbers show I didn't have a good spring," Kendrick said. "I worked on what I needed to work on. I've just got to . . . take it into the season and have quality outings."

Shane Victorino (.254) was 2 for 4. . . . Righthander Chad Durbin (5.25 ERA) pitched two scoreless innings. Lefthander J.C. Romero (2.57 ERA) and righthander Ryan Madson (1.64 ERA) each pitched a scoreless inning.

Zagurski facing surgery

"As of right now, I'd have to say Tommy John is probably the best route," Zagurski said. "It takes three months to rehab it, then if it's wrong, I miss 2009. I'd rather not do that."

Extra bases

- Todd Zolecki
and Jim Salisbury