Atlanta Braves sign Minor League contract with Ben Sheets and send him to Double-A Mississippi-MLB
Poor shows by the starters on rotation lead the Atlanta Braves to sign veteran Ben Sheets for Minor League and expect him to return to the season after few starts at Double-A Mississippi. With abundant experience at Major League level, the Braves fancy some
stability to their faltering rotation with his presence.
Sheets will be ready after the All-Star break. Provided he proves what the management has envisaged from him in his starts for Double-A that he will be part of the rotation, shortly.
The move reflects restlessness which was growing in the management, with most of their starters failing to put up consistent shows. Tim Hudson, one of the few pitchers with the club who can be solid on the mound and can win on regular basis, struggled to
live up to his reputation.
Along with him, Brandon Beachy got injured following a splendid performance in the season. As he went on to deliver wins for couple games, Beachy gave an impression that he will offset failures that other pitchers were experiencing.
In view of such developments, the Braves were to fill the rotation with someone who can withstand the pressure, which the rest of the games are going to impose.
Frank Wren, the Braves’ General Manager is extremely excited by the decision. With no prospect sacrificed, which teams do just before the deadline date, he says, it has strengthened them without any cost.
“We’re getting a guy who is a four-time All-Star and there is nothing wrong with his arm,” Wren said. “You have a quality major league pitcher prior to the deadline without having to give up any talent. It really is the best of all worlds.”
Hailing the move by Wren, the manager Fredi Gonzalez believes Sheets is a healthy addition and has all what they need from a starter at the moment.
“I think it’s a great find by Frank and our people,” Fredi Gonzalez said. “Here’s a guy that I think everything is an upside, really. There’s not downside to it.”
Therefore, one can expect that in his Minor League starts, he will be able to earn the confidence of the manager for becoming part of their pitching staff in the season.
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