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Minnesota Twins Prospect Joe Benson To Undergo Surgery

The Twins prospect has fallen on rough times during the 2012 season.

By David Cassilo
March 25, 2012; Jupiter, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Joe Benson (63) at bat during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-US PRESSWIRE
March 25, 2012; Jupiter, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Joe Benson (63) at bat during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-US PRESSWIRE

Joe Benson entered the season as the 99th best prospect in baseball, according to Baseball America, but it has been a disastrous 2012 for the young outfielder. After his poor performance saw him demoted from Triple-A to Double-A earlier this season, Benson will likely be shelved for six weeks after he undergoes hamate bone surgery on Friday.

In 2011, Benson registered 71 at-bats for the Minnesota Twins, hitting .239 with two RBI. The cup of coffee was supposed to be a step forward in his career but 2012 has went in the opposite direction.

Benson started the season with a .179 average in in 95 at-bats in Triple-A. After being demoted, he hit .156 before the injury.

With the Twins struggling this season, he could have been in line for another promotion to the majors with a strong start to the year.

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Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.